Carduus L.

4 species naturalized Aust.; all states and territories except NT

Erect, annual or biennial herbs. Stems winged; the wings terminating in spines. Leaves basal and cauline, decurrent, pinnatifid, with sinuate lobes terminating in spines. Heads sessile. Involucre cylindrical to spherical; bracts in several unequal rows, ending in spines. Florets all tubular, bisexual. Cypselas oblong, 5 mm long, glabrous. Pappus of numerous simple bristles c. 10 mm long.