Cynara humilis aka Cynara Humilis

Cynara humilis is a small evergreen perennial called wild thistle. Another common name is dwarf artichoke. It belongs to Asteraceae, the daisy family. Its genus also includes artichokes and cardoons. Its native range covers Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and Algeria. Plants For A Future also lists the Canary Islands. The RHS does not list it as native to Britain or Ireland.

Plants For A Future gives its height as about 1 foot [0.3 metres]. Its spread is much narrower, about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres]. The same source describes its growth as fast. Its evergreen habit means it retains foliage through the year. The supplied species records give no further leaf or stem details. Nor do they describe the colour of its flowers. Insects pollinate the flowers, and the plant attracts wildlife. The records do not name the visiting insects or other animals.

Grow this species in full sun, in a sheltered spot. It does not grow in shade, according to Plants For A Future. It favours rich soil with good drainage and some stones. Yet it can also grow in soil low in nutrients. Sandy, loamy, and clay soils all fall within its stated range. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline conditions. Soil may be dry or moist, and established plants tolerate drought. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 6–10. It also gives a UK zone number of 7. That number is not an RHS hardiness rating. Seed is the listed means of propagation.

The unopened flower heads have a food use as vegetables. They serve a role like that of globe artichoke heads. The flowers also help curdle milk for local cheese making. Plants For A Future rates its edible value at two out of five. These uses concern the flower heads and flowers. The supplied evidence does not identify other edible parts. Its small size and wildlife value offer reasons to grow it.

Traditional uses include treating skin burns and microbial infections. The source rates medicinal value at one out of five. These records describe traditional use, not proof of treatment effects. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards. That statement does not establish safety for people or pets. It also flags weed potential, without naming places or impacts. The supplied records give no species-specific pest or disease details.