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

Leaves:  Large, coarsely lobed, hairy on both sides, velvety gray appearance. Margins lined with sharp conspicuous spines. Basal leaves up to 2 ft. long and 1 ft. wide.

Stems:  Erect, branching, spiny leaf wings extend down onto stem, covered with dense fine hairs.

Flowers:  Solitary, terminal, 1 to 2 inches in diameter, violet to reddish colored. Bracts spine tipped.

Roots:  Large fleshy taproot.

Seeds:  Deep brown to black, distinctly wrinkled, 3/16" long.

Other:  Reproduce by seen only. Dense strands may be impenetrable to recreationists, livestock or wildlife.

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