Growth Habit:  Biennial, spead by seed. Rosettes is formed on ground 1^st year , flowering stalks elongate 2^nd year.

Leaves: Velvety to touch. Basal – broad, lance shaped. Upper – narrower, pointed, clasping stem.

Stems:  Heavy, erect, usually branced above, to 3’ tall.

Flower:  Dark red, rarely white, ¼” diameter in clusters.

Roots:  Taproot.

Seeds:  Fruit consists of 4 flattened bur-like nutlets, each ¼” long with short barbed appendages.

Other:  Burs attach to hair and fur of animals and are easily transported.