Biennial or perennial herb to 2 m tall, hairy. Stems erect. Basal leaves obovate, to 30 cm long, to 10 cm wide, margins toothed to divided, spiny. Stem leaves oblong, similar to basal leaves, decreasing in size up the stem. Capitula solitary or few together, to 5 cm across; summer to autumn. Florets rose pink to purplish. Achenes oblong, about 4 mm long, slightly 4-ribbed. Pappus deciduous.

Japan

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.