Yellow flowerheads, up to 2cm wide. Light green bracts, covered in white down. The bracts have many long, needle-like, sharp spines. Pollinated by bees, flies, butterflies and moths.
Leaves:
An annual or biennial, greyish-green plant. The basal rosette of leaves are not spiny. Basal leaves measure up to 15cm (6 inches) in length. The stem leaves are shorter. Leaves are covered in a cottony white down. All leaves are not toothed. The stems are winged.
Other Names:
Barnaby Thistle, Golden Star Thistle, St Barnaby's Thistle, Yellow Cockspur.