Rhaponticum repens is a perennial forb that can grow to 3 ft. (1 m) in height. Stems originate from a basal rosette of leaves. The rosette leaves can be unlobed to very lobed and are 2-4 in. (5-10 cm) long.
Foliage
Stem leaves are oblong, pinnately lobed to entire and up to 6 in. (15.2 cm) in length at the base of the stem and become smaller and less lobed toward the top.
Flowers
In summer to fall Rhaponticum repens produces flowers that are pink to purple and turn straw colored as they mature. The flower heads are approximately 0.5 in (1.2 cm) in diameter and urn shaped.
Fruit
Fruits (achenes) are ivory-colored with a tuft of hair that falls off at maturity.
Ecological Threat
Rhaponticum repens is native to Eurasia and was introduced into the United States in the early 1900’s. This species can cause chewing disease in horses.