The first set of rosette leaves normally dies off over the summer and new leaves are formed in the following autumn, which resprout from the perennial tap root (DAF, n.d.).

The bases of the phyllaries and the fleshy receptacle of C. cardunculus are edible. The petioles and roots may also be edible if properly prepared (Kelly & Pepper, 1996).

The artichoke has also been used for medicinal purposes (Adly, 1985 in Wiklund, 1992). It is a source of inulin, cynarin and silymarin (Curt et al., 2002 in Grammelis et al., 2008). The latter two are bitter-tasting compounds, which are found in the leaves, and improve liver and gall bladder function, and stimulate the secretion of digestive juices, especially bile, and lowers blood cholesterol levels (Grammelis et al., 2008).

Dried florets of artichoke thistle have been used to coagulate milk (Mathews, 1830 in Wiklund, 1992).

The species can tolerate harsh environments with high temperatures and water stress, even on thin and unproductive soils, due to its deep root system which may exceed 5 m in depth (Archontoulis et al., 2010). It appears to favour soils with a high clay content, but can also tolerate coarse-textured soils (Thomsen et al., 2004).

Flowers and rosettes senesce in late summer; the perennial tap root persists and plants regenerate from this the following spring (Wiklund, 1996; Kelly & Pepper, 1996)

Reduction of native biodiversity: Invasion of the fragile canyon ecosystem in California has led to reduction of populations of the endangered San Diego thorn mint (Acanthimentha ilicifolia). The absence of wildlife trails in artichoke monocultures indicates that infestations are an obstacle to wildlife movement (Kelly & Pepper, 1996). However Bowler (2008) report that some animals can utilise artichoke: squirrels and birds forage on seeds, it provides high perch sites for birds, and some hummingbird species have high nesting success on artichoke branches and leaves.\r\n

Agricultural: Artichoke thistle stands can become so thick that forage production and livestock movement are impeded (Thomsen et al., 2004).

Modification of nutrient regime: C. cardunculus produces greater aboveground biomass than native plants, which correspondingly increases midday ecosystem carbon assimilation and evapotranspiration rates. Additionally, litter quality and nitrogen content are increased in areas with C. cardunculus. The flow-on effects of such changes are unresolved but may affect carbon cycling, soil organic carbon quantities and increase soil respiration rates (Potts et al., 2008). C. cardunculus may also affect soil microbial communities and nutrient and water feedback cycles, although this has not yet been investigated (Potts et al., 2008).\r\n

Human health:The plant is reported to cause contact dermatitis in some people (Victoria Resources Online, 2009).

Chemical control: Foliar application of 2% glyphosate (Round-Up, Monsanto) applied during the active growth period (January-July) was successful in controlling artichoke thistle in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, California. The herbicide should cover the plant’s leaf surface to ensure adequate application. Young seedlings can be killed with one application. Most seedlings occur at or near the margins of adult plants; therefore, spraying a 1 m buffer zone around adults will increase the long-term effectiveness of an herbicide spray treatment by removing the majority of seedlings (Marushia & Holt, 2008). In larger plants the greatest success rate was achieved by applying herbicide while the flower stalk was bolting (Kelly & Pepper, 1996). In areas where spraying is not advisable due to sensitive habitat, herbicide can be brushed on uncut rosette leaves (Tallis & White, 2009).\r\n

Seeding:Once artichoke has been removed from a site, revegetation with natives is relatively straightforward, as artichoke stands rarely contain a large seedbank. Seeding with native plant species has been successful at a number of sites in California. However if glyphosphate was used a herbicide to eradicate artichoke, seeds should not be introduced for at least 1.5 months (Bowler, 2008). Because root competition strongly affects artichoke thistle, the ideal species for revegetation are those with rapidly developing root systems, and should include a combination of shallow and deep rooted species to maximise competition (White & Holt, 2005).\r\n

Biological control: Biocontrol is not an option due to the close phylogenetic relationship to the cultivated artichoke (C. skolymus) (Kelly & Pepper, 1996; Thomsen et al., 2004).