Widespread perennial.

 

Identification

Starts growing in November as rosettes from a creeping root system. Leafy stems then develop that can grow 50-150 cm tall. Has small purple flowers that grow from round buds. Seedlings resemble Scotch thistle but grow more slowly and have smoother leaves carrying spines on the edge only.

 

Characteristics

Typically grows in patches, often from a single plant via its roots.