Growth Habit:  Annual or biennial, bush, up to 2 ft. tall. Rosette formed first year, flowering stalk elongates second year.

Leaves:  Greyish-green, alternate, basal leaves whorled, upper leaves much reduced. Covered with fine hair.

Stems:  Hairy, erect, single main stem from a rootstock, branched near or above the base.

Flower:  Solitary, usually white, sometimes pink, rose or lavendar; seedhead bracts end as sharp, rigid spines.

Roots:  Elongated taproot.

Seeds:  Oblong, dark brown or grey with longitudinal lines.

Other:  May seriously reduce productive potential of infested rangelands.

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