What’s my name?

(Question)

Do you know the name of this plant? It was in a display at Toronto’s Boardwalk last summer. Someone suggested it is ECHINOPS.

(Answer)

Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners with your inquiry.

The rounded seedhead that is in the forground of your photo is indeed an example of globe thistle- Echinops. Globe thistle a member of the Asteraceae family have spiny foliage that is often grayish-green and woolly The large spiky flowers appear in early summer and last up to 8 weeks. They do well in a wide range of garden sites, however for best growth they prefer a well-drained site in full sun.

The following website gives additional informaton on this beautiful perennial: Globe Thistle