What Is the Difference Between a Cardoon and an Artichoke?

Artichoke plants are easiest to identify after buds form.

Artichoke plants are easiest to identify after buds form.

At first glance, cardoons (Cynara cardunculus) and artichokes (Cynara scolymus) look very much alike with their deeply lobed leaves and assertive presence in the garden. However, they possess a few notable differences. The most important difference lies in which part of the plant is eaten, although they also differ slightly in their growth habit and the appearance of their flowers.

Physical Differences

Both cardoons and artichokes are widely cultivated within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 to 9, both for their ornamental properties and edible parts. Both possess silvery foliage and violet, thistle-like flowers, although artichokes produce larger flower buds with a tighter, more globular shape and less pronounced spines. Also, cardoons possess a rangier, less tidy growth habit, although both plants grow to roughly 3 to 5 feet in height.

Edible Parts

Cardoons and artichokes share a similarly nutty flavor due to their close relationship, although different parts of the plants are eaten. The large, overdeveloped flower buds of the artichoke are consumed, both for the petals and the fleshy heart. Cardoons are favored for their young leaves and soft, immature flower stalks, which can be eaten cooked or raw.

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