It is a large biennial plant with sharp spines on the tips of the leaves, and long, woolly hairs on much of the foliage.

[2][5] The flowers are rich in nectar and attract bees, flies, beetles, butterflies and moths.

Its range extends from Upper Volga and the Balkans to the Netherlands, France and Britain.

[6] It typically grows in grassland, scrubland and open woodland on chalk, limestone or alkaline clay soils, including the disturbed ground caused by quarrying.

The flower buds can be used in a similar way to artichokes but smaller, and an edible oil can be extracted from the seeds.