All parts of this weed are poisonous. It cause liver damage to cattle and horses, while sheep are affected to a lesser extent. Seeds germinate the first year and form a rosette of raggedly lobed leaves up to 9 inches long. Flower stalks develop the second year, growing up to 6 feet tall, with many branches near the top. Stem leaves are 2 to 3 times pinnate with blunt tips and blades that attach directly to the stalk.
Seeds are tiny and are tipped by hairlike plumes that carry seeds in the wind for long distances.
Herbicides are available.