Natural England

Natural England

Gardening with Wildlife in Mind

The Plant Press

© 2006-2010. Database provided and managed on behalf of Natural England by The Plant Press. Designed and implemented by Ideal Integration Ltd

 

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Cardoon - Cynara cardunculus

Cardoon - Cynara cardunculusCardoon - Cynara cardunculus
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature
UK distribution - East Anglia, Midlands, North, South East, South West

Cardoon is a huge, thistle-like plant with large silver-grey arching leaves. The prickly, purple flowerheads stand tall on fat grey stems. Once, the leaf-stalks and young shoots were blanched and eaten like celery in salads, soups and stews.

Like other members of the thistle family, it is much visited by a variety of insects.

Animals

Buff-tailed bumble bee, Common carder bumble bee, Goldfinch, Honey bee, Linnet, Painted lady, Red mason bee, Red-tailed bumble bee, White-tailed bumble bee

FoliageSilver
FlowerPurple, July to September
MoistureDry (Dry)
SunlightFull sun (Full sun)
OriginNon-native
937