Height to 3 ft., pinkish-purple5-petaled clustered flowers; May to July. Pointy pubescent leaves are smaller at the top. Prickly nut, flat on top, holds one small seed. View fact sheet.

Found in several counties throughout Nebraska. Especially prevalent in the Panhandle and Northwest Nebraska.

Can cause skin irritation, gets caught in animal fur, reducing the value of the pelt. Can be poisonous to animals. Has a very long taproot to collect deep water. Competes with native vegetation.