Artichoke thistle (Cynara cardunculus), a relative of the globe artichoke, is a robust Mediterranean perennial in the sunflower family known for its spiny, gray-green foliage and bright purple flowers. It grows 3-6 feet tall, forms large basal rosettes, and is considered an invasive weed in many regions, including California.
Key Facts About Artichoke Thistle:
Appearance & Growth: It is a stout perennial with deeply lobed, spiny, grey-green leaves (white and woolly underneath) that can grow up to 1m in length. It produces large (2- to 4-inch) vibrant purple, thistle-like flowers from May to July.
Invasive Nature: Recognized as a significant weed in California, Australia, and parts of South America, it thrives in disturbed sites, roadsides, and grasslands.
Reproduction & Spread: Plants produce over 1,600 seeds annually. They spread via seed (carried by wind/animals) and by resprouting from deep, tough taproots.
Edibility & Uses: The edible portions are the fleshy leaf stalks (midribs) and the flower base (heart), often used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. They are also known as "cardoon".
Control Methods: Control is difficult; mechanical removal requires cutting the taproot at least 12-18 inches below the soil surface to prevent resprouting.
Habitat: Prefers sunny locations and is highly drought-tolerant, growing well in clay or sandy soils.
These hardy, fast-growing plants can quickly turn into thickets, outcompeting native vegetation.
