Leaves: First year basal rosette
leaves can be 20" long. Stem leaves are alternate and coarsely lobed. Lobe
tips have stout spines. Leaves are smooth above and hairy below.Flowers:
Flower heads are brush like and are pink to purple. There can be on or a
cluster of flower heads at the end of the stem. Flower heads are .5" to 2"
across, and are on winged stems; bracts with spiny tips. Blooms in
May-August.
Fruits & Seeds: Seeds have
a tuft of feathery bristles and are dispersed in the wind.
Roots: Has a taproot system.
Ecological threat
