An upright, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with spiny, elliptic to lance-shaped, deeply divided or entire, grey-green leaves, softly hairy beneath, and erect, purple-flushed stems bearing thistle-like, magenta flower heads in mid- to late summer.
Height 1.2m (4ft), Spread 75cm (2.5ft), 2-5 years to maturity.