Onopordum tauricum is a biennial herb that can grow up to 8 ft. (2.4 m) tall.
Foliage
The leaves of O. tauricum are bright green in color and from 3.9-9.8 in. (10-25 cm) long. Leaves are covered with short hairs, are acutely triangular and have toothed lobes.
Flowers
Onopordum tauricum flower heads are spherical and bright purple to pink in color. They are from 3-4 in. (7.6-10.2 cm) in diameter with numerous spiny bracts. Flowering occurs in summer.
Fruit
Fruits are from 0.2-0.24 in. (5-6 mm) long. Each fruit contains several white to tan seeds from 0.31-0.39 in. (8-10 mm) long. Seeds have short bristles. This plant reproduces by seed.
Ecological Threat
Onopordum tauricum prefers disturbed areas including fields and roadsides. It is native to temperate Asia and eastern Europe.