Globe Artichoke
Cynara cardunculus subsp. cardunculus
- Native to:
- Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Canary Is., France, Italy, Libya, Madeira, Morocco, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Cynara
- Species:
- Cynara cardunculus subsp. cardunculus
- USDA Symbol:
- CYSC2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, violet, blue
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Artichoke Plume Moth (Platyptilia carduidactyla), Clepsis fucana, figwort stem borer moth (Papaipema sauzalitae), Helcystogramma melantherella, Oidaematophorus grandis, Oidaematophorus phoebus, Omnivorous Looper (Sabulodes aegrotata), orange tortrix moth (Argyrotaenia franciscana), Pyrausta subsequalis, white-shouldered fruit moth (Ptycholoma peritana), Zosteropoda hirtipes, Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Prefers Mediterranean climates with dry summers
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily at 65-75°F without pretreatment. Direct sow or start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI