SafePlants

Cynara: A Thistle-Like Wonder

Cynara is a genus of perennial plants belonging to the sunflower family (Asteraceae). These thistle-like plants offer both visual interest and, in some cases, edible components.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is thistle-like, suggesting the potential presence of prickly or sharp foliage.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is thistle-like, suggesting the potential presence of prickly or sharp foliage.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cynara
• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
• Synonym: Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon)

Distribution and Habitat

• Cynara species are native to the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, and northwestern Africa.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cynara plants are described as robust and thistle-like.
• They have grey-hairy, pinnately lobed leaves.
• They produce globose purple flower-heads.
• Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) features large, prickly, almost dagger-shaped gray-green arching leaves.
• The ripening seed heads of Cynara cardunculus display bronze and gold colors.
• The stems are thick and sturdy.

Growth Habits

• Cynara scolymus and Cynara cardunculus are perennials.
• Cynara scolymus grows to approximately 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall and 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) wide.
• Cynara cardunculus grows to approximately 2 meters (6 feet) tall and 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) wide.
• Both are hardy to zone (UK) 6 and are not frost tender.
• They flower from August to September.

Traditional Uses

• Artichoke leaf dry extract (320mg) has been traditionally used for the relief of digestive complaints.
• Cynara scolymus (Artichoke) extract is made with freshly harvested cynara and used medicinally.

Quirky Facts

• The text makes several references to fictional characters, businesses, and personal names named Cynara, spanning historical literature, film, and modern social media.

Cultivation

• Cynara species thrive in fertile, well-drained soil.
• They require full sun and should be sheltered from strong winds.