Plumeless thistle is a member of the Aster family, Thistle tribe. It is an introduced winter annual or biennial. The leaves of plumeless thistle lack the prominent white margin present on musk thistle leaves. The plant may grow to a height of 5 feet or more. Flowers are reddish-purple and are either solitary or clustered.
Taproots are large and fleshy.
Plumeless thistle is an extremely prolific seed producer. It is found in pastures, river valleys, and along roadsides. Any unauthorized duplication is strictly prohibited by existing copyright laws.