Soft Thistle

Cirsium carolinianum is a biennial herb up to 180 cm (6 feet) tall, with a relatively short taproot. Leaves have small, thin spines along the edge, much smaller than those of related species. There are usually several flower heads, with pinkish-purple (rarely white) disc florets but no ray florets. Flowers bloom April to July. Its habitats include wooded areas, fields, and roadsides.