Cardoon, (Cynara cardunculus) or artichoke thistle

The plant is massive, towering over my head.  It's said to taste similar to an artichoke.  
The stems are edible looking much like celery.  I considered cooking some but it's way too labor intensive requiring gloves, (because this plant is a thistle and is very thorny,) and a lot of time to destring, and lemon so your hands don't turn brown.  I'll just admire the flowers instead.

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