Carduus crispus has upright growth,[3] and individuals can grow up to 3 metres (10 ft) tall, with the typical height being 50–180 centimetres (19+1⁄2–71 in).

[8][9] The type of fruit this species produces is called achenes, and they are yellow or slightly gray and brown in colour.

[10] The round-shaped fruit is flattened, and attached to one end are long unbranched hairs[10] that aid wind dispersal.

[14] C. crispus is naturalized in Greenland, parts of the United States and Canada, and India[15][14] It needs a lot of sunlight, and therefore is not shade tolerant.

[5] This species can also be called a noxious weed in North America, and can be found in areas such as pastures and along the sides of the road.

Carduus crispus is an introduced species in North America, and a noxious weed in several U.S. states, including West Virginia.