The leaves are lobed with spiny margins that extend down the stems as spiny wings. The entire plant appears grayish-green because of a covering of fine white hairs. Purple flower heads are 1 to 2 inches in diameter with stiff spiny bracts. Scotch thistle differs from musk thistle in the upright flower heads and the leafy stems below the flower heads. It is often found along roadsides and stream courses, invading waste areas, pasture and rangeland.
Dense infestations create a barrier to livestock and recreationists.
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