The winged stem is stiff, openly branched and covered with cottony short soft hairs.
Flower heads of 1/2 to 1 inch, usually on stems, not concealed by foliar bracts, spine tipped phyllaries (bracts) , spines under 1/2 inch long and phyllary appendages that are spiny fringed distinguish this from other Centaurea sp.
Habitat
This starthistle prefers disturbed and open areas, including grasslands, woodlands, agricultural fields, and roadsides.
Flower Characteristics
Flower heads are surrounded by sharp, straw-colored 3/4 inch thorns. One to few flower heads at branch tips are borne singly or in open arrays.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Basal leaves are deeply lobed, while the upper leaves are entire and sharply pointed. Leaves are resin dotted. Margins of the leaves can be smooth, toothed, or wavy depending on the individual plant and its maturity.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Seed production is highly variable from year to year and plant to plant.