Family: Composite (Compositae)

The thistle-like burs, or flower heads, of this bushy plant are familiar. The hooked, bristly bracts form a roundish, sessile or short-stalked bur (1/2 to 3/4 in. across) below the lavender florets. Lower leaves large, with hollow, unfurrowd stalks.

Height: 3-5 feet

Found: Waste ground, roadsides.

Blooms: July-October