Habitat: Cultivated fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas all across Canada.

Description: Alternate, oblong leaves that have spiny lobes (prickles) all along the outside.  Purple or pink flowers that may be spiny at the top.  Look like pink furry balls on the top of the plant.

Size: Up to 1.2 m tall.

Fun Facts: The scientific name arvense means "of cultivated field" which describes exactly where it grows best.

Source: Wilkinson, K. Wildflowers of Alberta: A Guide to Common Wildflowers and Other Herbaceous Plants.  1999.  University of Alberta Press and Lone Pine Publishing