Cardoon

Cardoon | Cynara cardunculus. Stunningly tall, majestic plant that dates all the way back to the Victorian days where is was  mostly used by the kitchen staff and blanched for use, a little like celery. Nowadays it appears in mixed herbaceous borders for is silver foliage and vertical interest. Height 2.4m. Medicinally the leaves are used for as they are  anti-rheumatic, diuretic and ionotropic.