Erect annual herb to 60 cm tall, more or less glabrous. Stems branched above. Leaves along stems, ovate to lanceolate, to 12 cm long, margins more or less entire, spiny, sessile. Capitula solitary, to 3.5 cm across; winter to summer. Florets bright orange. Achenes 7-8 mm long. Pappus usually absent or a few minute scales.

Europe, Asia

Grown for its oil-yielding seeds and the bright orange dye obtained from the flowers.

Source: Jeanes, J. (2002). Asteraceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 4. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 3. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.