Cynara cardunculus
(cardoon)

Preferred Scientific Name

• Cynara cardunculus

Preferred Common Name

• cardoon

Other Scientific Names

• Carduus cardunculus (L.) Baill.
• Carduus cynara E.H.L. Krause
• Carduus scolymus Baill.
• Cnicus communis Lam.
• Cynara corsica Viv.
• Cynara ferox Ten. ex Steud.
• Cynara horrida Aiton
• Cynara spinosissima J. Presl & C. Presl
• Cynara sylvestris Lam.

International Common Names

• English: artichoke; desert artichoke; European cardoon; globe artichoke; scotch thistle; Scottish thistle; Spanish artichoke; wild artichoke; wild cardoon
• Spanish: alcachofa; alcaucil; cardo; cardo de comer
• French: artichaut commun; carde; cardon d’Espagne
• Russian: artišok ispanskij
• Arabic: al harshuff

Local Common Names

• Finland: Isoartisokka
• Germany: artishocke; gemüseartishocke; gemüse-artishocke; kardone
• Italy: carciofo
• Netherlands: kardoen
• Portugal: alcachofra; cardo
• Spain: card; card comestible; card comú; herbacol
• Sweden: kardon
• UK/England and Wales: march-ysgall

EPPO code

• CYUCA (Cynara cardunculus)

• Domain: Eukaryota
•     Kingdom: Plantae
•         Phylum: Spermatophyta
•             Subphylum: Angiospermae
•                 Class: Dicotyledonae
•                     Order: Asterales
•                         Family: Asteraceae
•                             Genus: Cynara
•                                 Species: Cynara cardunculus

Cynara cardunculus is an accepted species of the Asteraceae family, sometimes referred to as the Compositae family (Weeds of Australia, 2016). The Plant List (2013) includes 44 named species from the genus Cynara, 11 of which are accepted species names. The Plant List (2013) has 17 recorded synonyms.

Cynara is derived from the Greek word, meaning ‘dog’, and cardunculus is a combination of the Latin words ‘carduus’ and ‘uncus’, meaning ‘thistle’ and ‘hook’ or ‘claw’, respectively. Thus the name, Cynara cardunculus, alludes the sharp claw like bracts around the flower head (Parsons and Cuthbertson, 2001).

C. cardunculus is commonly referred to as artichoke thistle or cardoon (Weeds of Australia, 2016). It is sometimes mistakenly referred to as globe artichoke, a closely related cultivated species (Australian Government, 2016).

Recent studies regarding the classification of the Cynara genus have sparked debate over whether the wild cardoon, cultivated cardoon (Cynara altilis) and globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) should be classified as different species or as subspecies (CIP, 2016). Wiklund (1992) supports, through a study of morphology and phytogeography of the Cynara genus, that wild cardoon, globe artichoke and cultivated cardoon are a single species and should therefore be classified as subspecies. Rottenberg and Zohary (1996) concluded that wild cardoon is the ancestor of the cultivated globe artichoke and cardoon, further supporting the argument for the classification as subspecies.

In this datasheet, globe artichoke (C. scolymus), cultivated cardoon (C. altilis) and wild cardoon (C. cardunculus) are referred to as separate species. However, it is important to note that other sources (The Plant List, 2013; GISD, 2016) recognise these plants as varieties: cultivated artichoke C. cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) Fiori, the wild cardoon C. cardunculus var. sylvestris (Lam.) Fiori and the leafy cultivated cardoon C. cardunculus var. altilis DC (Pignone and Sonnante, 2004).  

C. cardunculus is an erect perennial herb that can grow between 60 and 150 cm, but has been known to grow as tall as 2 m with a spread of 2 m (Weeds of Australia, 2016; Elzebroek and Wind, 2008). It has a large taproot that regenerates each year (Kelly and Pepper, 1996). The root can grow to the depth of 2 m (Parsons and Cuthbertson 2001). The stems are thick and rigid, which often branch in the upper parts, they are longitudinally ribbed and covered in a cotton down. The above-ground portion of the plant dies down each year, but off-shoots rise from the rootstock next growing season (Elzebroek and Wind, 2008).

The leaves form a basal rosette that can be as large as 120 by 30 cm. The leaves further up the stem are comparatively smaller, 10-50 cm in length. The leaves are greyish-green on the upper surface and slightly hairy. On the underside they are covered in dense hair giving a white wooly appearance. Each leaf is deeply lobed, with each lobe often partly divided again. The tips of the leaves are spiked with yellowish/orange spines, 5-20 mm long.

The inflorescence occurs singly at the top of a branch on a thick stalk, 1-6 cm long. The flower heads are almost round in shape and grow to be 4-5cm across. They consist of blue, pink or purple florets arranged on a fleshy receptacle, and enclosed by a number of large bracts. The bracts are purplish in colour and taper to end in a flattened spine.

The seeds of C. cardunculus are 6-8 mm long, four sided and smooth. They are light grey, brown or black in colour, sometimes with longitudinal streaks. At the top of each seed is a circle of feathery hairs, 25-40 mm in length that readily fall off (Weeds of Australia, 2016).

C. cardunculus has been introduced and has spread in many temperate regions of the world. In the USA it is believed to have been introduced as an edible plant (Parsons and Cuthbertson, 2001). Kelly and Pepper (1996) suggest that C. cardunculus was introduced to the USA as cultivated cardoon in the mid 1800s, which subsequently escaped and propagated by seed, resulting in a reversion to its wild characteristics.

Although unconfirmed, it is likely that C. cardunculus was introduced to Australia initially for horticultural purposes. The earliest record is from Adelaide in 1839. In 1845 it was known to have been sold in a Tasmanian nursery as a culinary plant. It was also known to be sold as an ornamental flower for New Year celebrations in Melbourne. By 1879 C. cardunculus had become naturalized in South Australia (Parsons and Cuthbertson, 2001).

In South America introduction occurred earlier. This is evident by Charles Darwin’s reference to the already established and extensive spread of C. cardunculus across the South American pampas in 1833 when Darwin reached Argentina on the HMS Beagle voyage (Mack, 1989).

Soil drainage

• free
• seasonally waterlogged

Soil reaction

• acid
• alkaline
• neutral

Soil texture

• heavy
• light
• medium

Special soil tolerances

• infertile
• saline

Natural Dispersal

C. cardunculus seeds are topped by a circle of feathery hairs, presumably to aid dispersal by wind, however the relatively heavy seed is only dispersed short distances in this manner (Weeds of Australia, 2016). Seeds are usually carried by wind no more than 20 m from the mother plant (Kelly, 2000). Marushia and Holt (2006) observed a dramatic difference in the dispersal distance of seeds when comparing vegetated and non-vegetated (ie. disturbed sites) sites. In non-vegetated sites, seeds were found to disperse up to 40 m, compared to 20 m in vegetated sites. However, in another study Marushia and Holt (2008) found that the main majority of seeds established themselves no more than 2 m from their mother plant. Nonetheless over a number of years the dispersal of seeds can result in large established populations of C. cardunculus (Kelly, 2000).

Kelly (2000) observed that water and gravity also play a role in the natural dispersal of seed by studying the establishment of C. cardunculus on hillsides.

Vector Transmission (Biotic)

C. cardunculus seeds are also known to be dispersed by birds, cattle, sheep and other mammals (Parsons and Cuthbertson, 2001). The seeds provide a food source for birds; as such they may carry the seeds some distance (Kelly and Pepper, 1996). In addition seeds may attach to passing animals and dispersed further distances (Kelly, 2000).

Accidental Introduction

The spread of C. cardunculus along roadsides suggests seed dispersal may be facilitated by vehicles, resulting in long distance dispersal of seeds. The ability of C. cardunculus to germinate from cut root pieces can lead to dispersal where roots have been mechanically disturbed. In addition, inappropriate disposal of roots and flower heads are a cause of dispersal (Kelly, 2000).

Intentional Introduction

Historically, in Australia, C. cardunculus was introduced for cultivation and horticultural purposes (Parsons and Cuthbertson, 2001). In the USA the presence of C. cardunculus can be attributed to the introduction of its cultivated close relatives, the globe artichoke and cultivated cardoon (Thomsen et al., 1986).

C. cardunculus has had significant effect on pastoral industries. The dense populations formed by C. cardunculus displace more favourable pasture species. Grazing animals tend to avoid C. cardunculus due to its prickly form, thus reducing the pastures’ forage productivity (Weeds of Australia, 2016). Furthermore, if it exists in high densities, C. cardunculus tends to limit the movement of grazing animals (Kelly, 2000).

In addition, due to C. cardunculus ability to monopolise an area, an infestation within crops would reduce and compromise the quality of the crop yield (Weeds of Australia, 2016).

However there are a number of studies regarding the efficiency and profitability of growing C. cardunculus as a source of biomass for bioenergy in the Mediterranean region. Fernandez et al. (2006) report two products that can potentially be harvested; biomass as a solid fuel source and, seed oil for biodiesel production.

C. cardunculus is reported to have negative environmental impacts as a highly invasive species in its non-native regions. It can form dense monocultures, displacing native vegetation and degrading native plant communities (Marushia and Holt, 2006). It can invade acres of land, out competing native flora, and creating thick monocultures as dense as 20,000 plants per acre (Kelly and Pepper, 1996). In California it is categorized as ‘Most Invasive Wildland Pest Plant’, category A-1, on the Californian Exotic Pest Plants of Greatest Ecological Concern. It can aggressively invade and disrupt natural habitats (CalEPPC, 1999) and has been described by Kelly and Pepper (1996) as a robust invasive plant that exhibits characteristics of the world’s worst weeds.

It is known to be of particular concern in disturbed and over-grazed pastures and rangelands, however it has also invaded natural habitats. Its ability to monopolise soil nutrients, water and light, and form dense populations, smother the native species. Consequently forming vast monocultures of C. cardunculus and destroying the natural habitat (Weeds of Australia, 2016). Dense invasions impede wildlife movement and displace native vegetation, causing the fragmentation of native habitats (Kelly and Pepper, 1996). One such example of C. cardunculus’ threat to native flora due to invasion and displacement is the endangered San Diego thornmint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia) (Kelly, 2000).  

Conversely, C. cardunculus does provide an abundant source of pollen for bees, and birds have been known to feed on the seeds (Parsons and Cuthbertson, 2001).

Similar to its cultivated relatives, C. solymus and C. altilis, C. cardunculus is also edible and grown as a food source. In addition, C. cardunculus has been regarded for its ornamental qualities. In Australia it was once sold due to its resemblance to the Scottish floral emblem.

Close contact with C. cardunculus has been known to cause dermatitis in some people (Parsons and Cuthbertson, 2001). 

• Proved invasive outside its native range
• Has a broad native range
• Abundant in its native range
• Highly adaptable to different environments
• Is a habitat generalist
• Tolerates, or benefits from, cultivation, browsing pressure, mutilation, fire etc
• Pioneering in disturbed areas
• Highly mobile locally
• Fast growing
• Has high reproductive potential
• Has propagules that can remain viable for more than one year
• Reproduces asexually
• Has high genetic variability

• Altered trophic level
• Ecosystem change/ habitat alteration
• Modification of successional patterns
• Monoculture formation
• Negatively impacts agriculture
• Negatively impacts human health
• Reduced amenity values
• Reduced native biodiversity
• Threat to/ loss of endangered species
• Threat to/ loss of native species

• Allelopathic
• Causes allergic responses
• Competition - monopolizing resources
• Competition - shading
• Produces spines, thorns or burrs

• Highly likely to be transported internationally accidentally
• Difficult to identify/detect as a commodity contaminant
• Difficult/costly to control

C. cardunculus is a minor vegetable crop in much of the world except in Italy, Spain and the South of France where it is crop of regional importance and is used in traditional dishes (Lanteri and Portis, 2008).The plant is grown for its blanched leaf-stalks and leaf bases, which can be eaten as a cooked vegetable - boiled, braised or sautéed, and used in salads and soups; they have an artichoke-like flavour (Welbaum, 2015; Elzebroek and Wind, 2008). The flowers are also collected for ornamental use. In addition, in both Spain and Portugal, the pistil or ovary of the flower is used as a vegetable rennet in cheese making (iNaturalist, 2016). The seeds contains ~25% oil which is of good alimentary quality. Furthermore, the seed material left after the extraction can be used as a component of animal feed.

The plant is also a significant source of pharmaceuticals; the roots and rhizomes provide a source of inulin, a demonstrated enhancer of the human intestinal flora, and the leaves provide a source of antioxidants, such as luteolin and di-caffeoylquinic acid (Lanteri and Portis, 2008). Leaves are also considered to possess diuretic effects, improve gall bladder and liver function, and stimulate digestion. In biological assays, C. cardunculus extracts demonstrated antimicrobial activity comparable with some antibiotics (Christaki et al., 2012)

Where C. cardunculus is considered invasive, i.e. USA and Australia, it is not widely used, if at all. However its initial introduction to such places can be attributed for culinary and ornamental use (Kelly, 2000).

Furthermore, research into the cultivating of C. cardunculus as a source of biofuel is being undertaken in the Mediterranean region. Ierna and Mauromicale (2010) found that C. cardunculus is well suited to the Mediterranean climate as a low input perennially cultivated crop with high biomass and yield; as such it would be a competitive bioenergy crop and also used for paper pulp.