Artichokes and asparagus frequently share space on restaurant menus and in grocery store displays, leading many to assume they are closely related plants. This common grouping, often based on their seasonality and preparation methods, masks a significant botanical distinction. A thorough investigation into their plant families and the parts of the plant we consume reveals a surprising lack of connection, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of these two popular vegetables.
Understanding the Artichoke’s Identity
The globe artichoke, formally known as Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus, is a cultivated variety of a species of thistle native to the Mediterranean region. This plant belongs to the large Asteraceae family, commonly referred to as the daisy or sunflower family. The edible portion of the artichoke is not a stem or a root, but rather an immature flower bud harvested before it fully blooms. Specifically, we eat the fleshy base, called the heart, and the thick, lower parts of the protective outer leaves, known as bracts.
Understanding the Asparagus’s Identity
Asparagus, or Asparagus officinalis, comes from an entirely different lineage, classified under the Asparagaceae family. This perennial plant is well-known for its succulent spring stalks, which are the part we harvest and eat. The asparagus spear is a young shoot or stem that emerges directly from the underground root system, known as the crown. If left unpicked, these shoots would grow into tall, mature plants with feathery foliage.
The Definitive Botanical Answer
Despite their frequent culinary association, artichokes and asparagus are not botanically related in any close sense. The artichoke resides in the Asteraceae family, while asparagus belongs to the Asparagaceae family. To put this taxonomic distance into perspective, it is similar to comparing a rabbit to a chicken; both appear on dinner plates, but they belong to entirely separate classes of life. Their distinct classifications mean they share no common genus, order, or even subclass.
Why People Think They Are Related
The confusion surrounding the relationship between these two plants primarily stems from their shared culinary context and physical presentation. Both are widely celebrated as classic spring vegetables, often becoming available around the same time of year. They also share a similar general “green” appearance and are frequently prepared using similar cooking methods, such as steaming or roasting. A significant source of misconception is the “Jerusalem Artichoke,” which is not a true artichoke at all. This plant is actually the tuber of a species of sunflower, Helianthus tuberosus, and while it belongs to the Asteraceae family, its tuber gained the name because its flavor was thought to resemble the globe artichoke’s heart.