Artichoke - Definition and Overview

Artichokes are three types of vegetables, two in the daisy family Asteraceae, and one in the deadnettle family Lamiaceae. When unqualified, the term "artichoke" nearly always refers to the globe artichoke.

• The Globe artichoke Cynara scolymus is a species of thistle. The edible part of the plant is the base (receptacle) of the flower head in bud, properly called a vegetable as it is harvested well before any fruit develops.
• The Jerusalem artichoke Helianthus tuberosus is a species of sunflower. The edible part of the plant is the tuber.
• The Chinese artichoke Stachys affinis is a species of woundwort. The edible part of the plant is the tuber.