Cotyledons
Spoom shaped, waxy surface

Roots
Thick taproot

Stem
Erect, branched, hollow, hairy
Grooved lengthwise

True Leaves
Large rosette first year
Leaves later alternate
Coarsley veined
Soft white hair on underside

Flowers
Purple, heads grouped and surrounded
by bracts (outer bracts have
hooks) forming a bur

Habitat
Pastures, roadsides, waste areas

Note
Burs easily attach to fur, hair or clothing
Leaves resemble rhubarb