Plant ID

[crosslandkelly]

Just back from a weekend in Selsey, where I came across a lot of this plant growing locally. A new one to me, any ideas as to it's id?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Broch]

It's an artichoke thistle of some kind - there are a few varieties.

 

[crosslandkelly]

Thanks for that.

 

[Nice65]

Good eating when the buds are young, I love globe artichokes.

 

[slowworm]

I think it may be a cardoon rather than a globe artichoke, closely related but you eat the fleshy stems of a cardoon.

 

[Broch]

Yep, it is one of the varieties but not Globe IMO.

 

[Lean'n'mean]

Cynara cardunculus AKA, cardoon, wild artichoke, ornamental artichoke, giant thistle (take your pick) would be the best bet. A statement in any garden.