The specific plant generally referred to as an artichoke is the Globe Artichoke, scientifically named Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus. This plant is a variety of thistle that grows above the soil surface, not beneath it. It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for several years, and it is valued for its flower bud, not a subterranean root structure. The edible portion develops on a tall stalk that can reach heights of 3 to 6 feet, making the harvested product distinctly above ground.
The Edible Part: A Thistle Flower Bud
The part of the plant that humans consume is an unopened flower head, which is why it is harvested before it has a chance to bloom into a large, purple, thistle-like flower. This immature flower bud grows at the top of a stiff, sturdy stem called a scape, well above the plant’s foliage. The edible structure is a cluster of many small flowers, or an inflorescence, surrounded by protective scales.
The portion commonly eaten is primarily composed of two parts: the fleshy base of the outer, triangular scales, known as bracts, and the inner, meaty core. The heart is the tender base of the flower head, considered the delicacy of the artichoke. Nestled just above the heart is the fuzzy center, called the choke, which consists of immature florets that are generally removed before eating in larger, mature buds.
The Underground Structure and Plant Life
The globe artichoke plant does possess a significant subterranean system that supports its perennial nature. The plant establishes a deep root system that can penetrate the soil to a depth of 3 to 4 feet. This extensive network anchors the large plant and allows it to access water and nutrients.
The base of the plant, where the stems and roots meet, forms a crown just at or slightly below the soil line. This crown is the mechanism for the plant’s long-term survival, acting as a storage organ during dormancy. New shoots, often called suckers, emerge from this crown each spring to produce the new season’s foliage and flower stalks.
Clarifying Common Misconceptions
The belief that artichokes grow underground is largely due to confusion with an entirely different species that shares a similar name. The Jerusalem Artichoke, or Helianthus tuberosus, is a plant belonging to the sunflower family. This plant produces an edible, knobby tuber that is harvested from beneath the soil, similar to a potato or ginger root.
The Jerusalem Artichoke’s tuber is the source of the confusion, as it is a true root vegetable, unlike the globe artichoke’s flower bud. The “artichoke” part of the name for the tuber is thought to come from its flavor, which some describe as similar to the heart of the globe artichoke. This naming overlap between the above-ground flower bud of a thistle and the underground tuber of a sunflower is the most common reason for the misconception.