Globe artichoke is native to the Mediterranean basin with Italy being the leading world producer. Italian autochthonous germplasm is at risk of genetic erosion due to the large cultivation of only a few varietal types, such as the micropropagated clone C3, and to the introduction of new seed-propagated genetic materials. The aim of our study is to assess the genetic variability existing in nine Italian globe artichoke landraces of spring type, using morphological descriptors and DNA markers (Amplified Fragment Lenght Polymorphism and Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats). A significant genetic differentiation among genotypes was found for many traits. Although some genetic variability found within each genotype was probably due to their multiclonal origin, most of them were genetically well-defined. Morphological and molecular profiles give important information to complete the genotype characterization and proceed with the selection of clones to be propagated and to develop lines and/or varieties. The present paper underlines the differences existing in the analyzed germplasm both within and among landraces and the genetic relations among different material, which is an important starting point for future plant breeding programs. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.