Cynara syriaca

A large perennial thorn, with deep and thick roots. in early winter it develops a large leaves rosette, up to 80 cm long. the leaves are lobed, greyish-green, with white lines and blotches. during spring it grows long stems, 60-180 cm tall. Each stem develops 3-8 flowering heads, up to 10 cm in diameter. the florets are all disc-florets, they are a deep purple-blue.