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Artichokes have large silvery green leaves that make them a striking addition to the garden. Their flower buds are traditionally used for culinary purposes, but if allowed to open offer large, brilliant purple flowers.

Latin Name

Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus


Family

Asteraceae


Type of Plant

Vegetables Vegetables
Perennials Perennials

Bloom Season

June - November

Seasons

Summer Summer
Spring Spring

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 5'
Max spread Max Spread: 3'

Uses

  • Flower Border
  • Vegetable
  • Ornamental
  • Edible

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Colors


    Native Range

    Chile, Ecuador, United States


    History

    In September of 1794, Washington wrote to William Pearce to request artichoke seeds for Martha, and was growing them in the lower garden.


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator
    Grown by Washington Grown by Washington
    Sold at Mount Vernon Sold at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Upper Garden Fruit Garden & Nursery Lower Garden

  • Upper Garden
  • Fruit Garden & Nursery
  • Lower Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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