Weed Potential
As a weedCardoon is cultivated in cottage gardens as a specimen and is invasive in agricultural regions grasslands and open woodlands where soil is rich and moist. Seeds germinate during the winter months and with in 6-months it has developed a large fleshy tap root and a rosette of foliage.

In the second year a stem develops and the foliage dies off during hotter part of summer. It grows in full sun to semi shade preferring moist organic rich soils but will tolerate drier conditions due to its deep root system. Large populations inhibit the regrowth of low growing or upper-story indigenous flora.

The seed is dispersed by water, soil, machinery, clothing and wind or may also be spread when disturbed during removal of an infestation.

Control methodsinclude physically digging out young plants before the tap root develops. Seed heads should be bagged and removing off site. The plants may also be sprayed or painted with a non-selective herbicide before the flower stems develop. Follow up applications may be required on larger plants.