Introduced from Asia. Perennial, reproducing by roots, rhizomes and seeds. Plants up to about 3 feet in height, from a particularly well-developed branching root system. Stems branched at base, striate, covered with downy-white hairs. Leaves of new shoots alternate, broadly lanceolate, a little toothed, somewhat whitish underneath. Lower leaves of plant rough; leaves of the flowering stems similar but much shorter. Flowers numerous, all tubular, rose to purple or blue, in composite heads which are flask-shaped, about 1-2 cm. long, solitary on the ends of leafy branches. Seeds are an ivory to light brown color, 2-3 mm. long, flattened, ovate shaped, longitudinal ridges, basal scar not oblique, with capillary pappus. Flowers, June - August. Seeds, August - September.
Taken from State of Kansas: https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/plant-protect-weed-contro…
