Growth Habit:  Biennial, erect, many spreading branches. Rosette formed first year, flowering stem elongates second year.

Leaves:  Green, sparsely hairy, with short appressed prickles on the surface, cottony below. Sharp spines on the margins.

Stems:  Stout, 2 ft. to 5 ft. tall with spiny wings from leaves.

Flower:  Terminal, more or less clustered, 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide, flowers dark purple, bracts spine tipped.

Roots:  Short, fleshy taproot.

Seeds:  Straw colored, striped lengthwise with brown or black, a protrusion at one end.

Other:  Reproduce by seed only.

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