A robust biennial plant that forms a rosette of leaves in its first year and grows a tall, spiny flowering stalk in its second year.

Robust biennial plant that forms a rosette of leaves in its first year and grows a tall, spiny flowering stalk in its second year.

Flowers are borne in dense, cylindrical to oval flower heads (about 4–10 cm long) at the top of the stems, usually pale lilac or lavender. Flowers bloom in rings that progress outward from the center of the head. The flower heads are surrounded by long, spiny bracts that curve upwards.

Flowers are a nectar source for bees and butterflies, and seeds are an important food for birds.

Height: 150 cm.

Supplied as raw (normal) seed in grams.
Approximately 325 seeds per gram.