Growth Habit:   Biennial, or winter anual, erect up to 7' tall. Freely branching. Rosette formed 1st year, flowering stem elongates 2nd year.

Leaves:   Dark green with light midrib, hairless on both sides, long sharp spines.

Stems:   Hairless.

Flowers:   Solitary, terminal, nodding heads, 1 1/2" to 3" in diameter, deep rose to violet to purple.

Roots:  Fleshy taproot, hollow near ground surface.

Seeds:   Can be in excess of 20,000 per plant with 90% viable. 90% may germinate in first two years. Seeds may germinate after 10 years in soil.

Other:   Reproduce by seed only.

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