Artichoke relative. Dramatic display plant with its 3' long deeply cut grey-green leaves and large thistle-shaped purple flowers. Popular in Europe, the large first year leaves are tied up and blanched and the leaf stalks eaten as a vegetable. The leaves contain cynarin which improves gall bladder and liver functions, increases bile flow, and lowers cholesterol. Yields a yellow dye. The down from the seedheads is used as a rennet. Prefers a rich, deep loose soil. Unreliably hardy for us because of our clay - it can be dug and over-wintered like dahlias. Packet(Standard): $3.50; 1/8 oz - $6.00; 1/4 oz - 11.00; 1/2 oz - $20.00; 1 oz - $38.00 - 650 seeds/oz