Cardoon

A member of the aster family, Cardoon is also known as artichoke thistle, cardone, cardoni, carduni or cardi. Cardoon looks and is used as if a combination of burdock, artichoke and celery; it is prized for its delicious stalks which are eaten young, blanched. It is a tender perennial, grown as an annual in most climates. In warm, dry climates, however, Cardoon does well in low-water areas and so can become invasive; it is considered a weed in many areas of California. Cardoon is very large growing 4 feet (120 cm) and 2 feet (60 cm) wide, with a large flower similar to that of an artich... more »

A member of the aster family, Cardoon is also known as artichoke thistle, cardone, cardoni, carduni or cardi. Cardoon looks and is used as if a combination of burdock, artichoke and celery; it is prized for its delicious stalks which are eaten young, blanched. It is a tender perennial, grown as an annual in most climates. In warm, dry climates, however, Cardoon does well in low-water areas and so can become invasive; it is considered a weed in many areas of California. Cardoon is very large growing 4 feet (120 cm) and 2 feet (60 cm) wide, with a large flower similar to that of an artichoke.

Cardoon looks and is used as if a combination of burdock, artichoke and celery; it is prized for its delicious stalks which are eaten young, blanched. It is a tender perennial, grown as an annual in most climates. In warm, dry climates, however, cardoon does well in low-water areas and so can become invasive; it is considered a weed in many areas of California. Cardoon is very large growing 4 feet (120 cm) and 2 feet (60 cm) wide, with a large flower similar to that of an artichoke. The in the wild, stalks are covered in tiny spines which are painful to the touch, while cultivars are available that are 'almost' spineless but take care, nevertheless when handling. (less)