Annuals. Stem wings ± con-tinuous, margins spinose, usually white and thickened. Leaf blades 40-200 × 20-80 mm, margins usually white and thickened. Involucres 12-18 × 8-12 mm, larger in fruit. Phyllaries ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate, glabrous. Cypsela/palea units ± obovate, 2.5-4 mm; pappi 0. 2n = 20.
Flowering Jul. Disturbed sites; 0-100 m; introduced; N.C.; Europe.