Clump-forming perennial herb to 1 m high; stems sparsely to densely pubescent. Basal leaves radical, lanceolate to spathulate, 4–30 cm long, 10–20 mm wide, entire or with 2 basal lobes, or pinnate, sparsely to densely pubescent on both surfaces; petiole 2–8 cm long; cauline leaves opposite, resembling basal leaves but smaller, entire, upper ones sessile. Capitula c. 6–10 cm diam.; outer involucral bracts leaf-like, lanceolate to ovate, to c. 10 mm long, usually ciliate near apex; inner bracts ovate, 10–15 mm long, striate, margins membranous, glabrous. Ray florets c. 8, 2.5–4 cm long. Cypselas 2–3 mm long, compressed, prominently 2-winged, glandular, black; pappus of 2 minute antrorsely barbed awns. Flowers summer.
GipP, HNF, VAlp. Also naturalised WA, Qld, NSW, ACT. Native to North America. In Victoria naturalised in montane forest on disturbed ground near Bogong Village and a roadside near Moe.
Source:
Jeanes, J.A. (1999). Asteraceae. In: Walsh, N.G.; Entwisle, T.J., Flora of Victoria Vol. 4, Cornaceae to Asteraceae, pp. 652–666. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
