Back to photostream

Cardoon Seed Head Against The Blue October Sky

Cardoon is an architectural splendor with bold texture, thanks to its large, prickly, almost dagger-shaped gray-green arching leaves and a statuesque, vase-shaped frame. It is topped with round, purple, thistlelike flowers in midsummer. Cardoon can reach up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide.

 

Noteworthy Characteristics

A close cousin of the artichoke, this native to the well-drained, sunny slopes of the southwest Mediterranean. It produces magnificent flowerheads that can be cut and dried for arrangements. Edible leaf stalks and midribs are tasty when blanched. Unopened flowerheads can be eaten like artichokes.

 

Taken at Cowbridge Physics Garden

2,404 views
83 faves
30 comments
Uploaded on October 7, 2018
Taken on October 1, 2018