Size: Grows up to 6 feet tall.
Flower: Solitary at the top of long stems, with the flower head leaning over by midsummer. Heads grow to a diameter of 1.5 to 3 inches. Blossoms are bright purple, sometimes white. They are surrounded by lance-shaped, spine-tipped, bracts.
Leaves: Waxy, up to 10 inches long, dark green with a light green midrib, and mostly white margins. Edges are deeply lobed, with 3-5 spiny points per lobe.
Other: Large fleshy taproot that is hollow near the soil surface.