Growth Habit:  Native perennial forb, erect to 3.5 feet tall.

Leaves:  Alternative, simple, lobed with undulating margins.Lobes tipped with yellow spine. Oblong leaves clasp stem and are very hairy. Upper surface greenish, whitish below.

Stems:  Erect, nearly round, densely hairy, branched.

Flowers:  Purple to pink-purple to white, to 2.5 inches in diameter on the tips of branches. Bracts hairy and tipped with a spine.

Roots:  Simple deep taproot.

Seeds:  Achene - 1/4 inch long, tan to brown with yellow collar; smooth, flattened, curved, one seeded.

Other:  Reproduces by seeds and root buds.

Return to Weed List