Family: Asteraceae, Aster view all from this family

Description Non-native herbaceous perennial with erect stems 1O-4 feet tall, prickly leaves and an extensive creeping rootstock. Stems are branched, often slightly hairy, and ridged. Leaves are lance-shaped, irregularly lobed with spiny, toothed margins and are borne singly and alternately along the stem. Rose-purple, lavender, or sometimes white flower heads occur in rounded, umbrella-shaped clusters.

Flower June through October.

Habitat Dsturbed upland areas, barrens, glades, meadows, prairies, fields, pastures, and waste places.

Range Throughout continental North America, except arctic Canada, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

Discussion Also known as: creeping thistle, California Thistle, corn thistle, cursed thistle, field thistle, green thistle, hard thistle, perennial thistle, prickly thistle, small-flowered thistle and way thistle.

This plant is universally considered a noxious weed.