Cynara cardunculus, also known as Artichoke thistle or cardoon, is a delicate, erect, columnar, and vigorous perennial with spiny, sharp, serrated, deeply lobed, silvery-gray leaves and thistle-like blooms.
Although it’s edible (the celery-like stems can be harvested, blanched, braised, or steamed and eaten), in the United States, it is not generally grown for consumption. Still, it is most often grown in gardens as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and foliage.
