Spherical, bright orange, yellow or red flowers, 2 or 3cm wide. Flowers are thistle-like.
Fruit:
The fruit is an achene (seed). Fruits are brown, shiny and angular, up to 9mm long. The seeds mature in September and October. 15 to 20 seeds per flowerhead.
Other Names:
American Saffron, Bastard Saffron, Dyer's Saffron, Fake Saffron, False Saffron, Rouge Plant, Safflower Oil Plant, Saffron Thistle.