Echinops is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Asteraceae. They are commonly known as "globe thistles" because of the shape of their flowers, which are spherical or oval in shape. Echinops plants are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, and are now grown in many other parts of the world as ornamental plants.

Echinops plants have tall, sturdy stems that can reach up to six feet in height. The flowers are typically blue or purple, and are spherical or oval in shape, with spiky protrusions around the edges. The foliage of Echinops plants is often grayish-green or blue-green, and is quite narrow and pointed.