Early leaves are entire. Later leaves are alternate, sessile, crowded around the stem, entire or toothed, and often hairy. To top Grass Key Top of page 28. Summer or winter annual or sometimes a biennial. Seedling is a rosette.
First leaves are pale green and spatulate.
Later emerging leaves have spiny edges and prickly spines along the underside of a prominent midrib. Stem is hollow with milky juice. To top Grass Key Top of page 29. Summer or winter annual. Cotyledons are kidney-shaped and smooth.