AT A GLANCE
What plants are similar to the artichoke?
The cardoon is very similar to the artichoke. Both plants belong to the thistle family and do best in sunny beach locations. The buds of the artichokes are eaten, and the stalk of the cardoon.
What do cardoon and artichoke have in common?
The two thistle plants, artichoke and cardoon hardly differ in appearance, growth and colour. Both plants grow up to 2 meters high and love a sunny spot. Kardone – also called cardy – and artichoke both develop clear spines, even if there are now spine-free breeds of the cardoon. The plants are also similar in taste. Cardy tastes similar to artichoke, with a slightly bitter and nutty aroma.
What are the differences between artichoke and cardoon?
The big difference between artichoke and safflower is the edible part. Because of their similarity, the cardone is also called Spanish artichoke or cardy. In the case of artichokes, the bud is enjoyed. In the case of cardoons, on the other hand, the thick leaf stalks eaten as a winter vegetable.
Tip
Other artichoke-like plants
There are great similarities within the thistle family. Several species and cultivars look similar to the artichoke, such as sedge thistle and borriquero thistle. The different species often only differ in terms of growth and the color of the flowers.
