Growth Habit:  Annual, erect, rigid branching stems.

Leaves:  Basal leaves deeply lobed, upper leaves not lobed, small,
sharply pointed.

Stems:  Rigid, covered with a cottony fiber, to 30 inches tall, winged structures.

Flower:  Yellow, terminal, flower bracts are tipped with straw-colored, 3/4 inch
thorn.

Roots:  Taproot.

Seeds:  Smooth, light-colored, often darker mottled, 1/8 inch long, notched
just above the base.

Other:  Causes "chewing disease" in horses.