It is native to Eurasia and it is known as an introduced species in many other regions, including North and South America, Australia, and southern Africa.

The bristly leaves are variously shaped, often divided into many sharp-toothed lobes.

The inflorescence bears flower heads on thick peduncles.

The head is 1 to 2 centimeters long or more and filled with yellow ray florets.

The fruit is an achene well over a centimeter in length which is tipped with a pappus of bristles.