The thistle-like flower head of a Cardoon, Cynara cardunculus, aka Globe Artichoke.
Cardoons are members of the Aster (daisy) family, and grow to 1.5m tall. They originate in the Mediterranean area, so prefer a sunny position in the garden. It flowers from June to September, and is attractive to pollinators such as bees. If the flowers are left over winter, finches may come and feed on the seeds.
Unlike Globe Artichokes, it is the stem of the cardoon which is eaten, and some connoisseurs also enjoy the roots.
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