Growth Habit:  Biennial, sometimes annual, erect, up to 8 ft. tall. Rosette formed first year, flowering stem elongates second year.

Leaves:  Dark green with a light midrib, hair only on the underside, leaf margin with sharp spines.

Stems:  To 4 ft. tall, erect, winged to flowering heads.

Flowers:  Solitary, terminal or clusters of 2 to 5. narrow seedhead bracts spine tipped. Reddish-purple blooms 1/2 to 1 inch diameter.

Roots:  Stout, fleshy taproot.

Seeds:  Striped lengthwise, slightly curved, with a protrusion at one end.

Other:  Reproduce by seed only.

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