[3] It is native to parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and it is known elsewhere as an introduced species and often a noxious weed.

[2][4][5][6] This winter annual herb produces a slender stem reaching about 120 cm (4 feet)[7][8] in height.

Leaves higher on the stem are up to 3.5 centimeters long and are divided into narrow lobes with bristly edges.

It is unpalatable to most grazing animals, which avoid it and selectively consume other grasses and herbs, allowing the weed to survive and spread.

[3] A number of natural enemies have been recorded, such as the mite Aceria balasi, which attacks the inflorescence, the moths Clytie illunaris, Metzneria aprilella, and Ornativalva plutelliformis, which feed on the seeds, and the weevil Styphlus penicillus, which feeds on the leaves.