Perennials 0.5-1 m tall, rarely to 2 m tall. Stems erect, many branched, often densely pubescent at base. Radical leaves largest, obovate-oblong, 15-30 cm long, base attenuate, upper surface loosely pubescent, lower surface pubescent on nerves, pinnately cleft to dentate, lobes 5 or 6 pairs, oblong, incised or narrowly dentate, spines of lobes 2-3 mm long; median cauline leaves oblong, broadly clasping at base, pinnately cleft, upper leaves gradually smaller. Heads usually terminal, erect, globose, 4-5 cm across, subtended by 1-3 leaves, viscid; involucre depressed-globose, 1.5-2×2.5-4 cm; bracts 6- or 7-seriate, slightly cobwebby, imbricate, linear, outer ones shorter, inner ones somewhat longer, elongate-acuminate, entire, viscid on back, spine-tipped, spine short; corolla purplish or rose colored, 18-23 mm long, tube 8-10 mm long, limbs very unequal, 5-lobed. Achenes oblong, slightly compressed, 3 mm long, obscurely 4-ribbed; pappus deciduous, 16-18 mm long.

TAIPEI: Keelung, Patoutze, Peng 7576; Yangmingshan, Leu 510. HSINCHU: Chupei, Lienhuassu, Peng 11515; Shanchiao, Peng 10384. MIAOLI: Hsihu, Peng 13957; Tunglo, Peng 11551. NANTOU: Hsinyi, Shenmu, Peng 6587. CHIAYI: Alishan, Liu 657. PENGHU: Kueipishan, Chen 727. PINGTUNG: Manchou, Chiupeng, Wang 2034; Wutai to Ali, Peng 10231. TAITUNG: Wutoushan, Lin 437; Lanyu Is., Peng 5225.

Vietnam, Australia and China. Taiwan, forest margins, along mountain trails and in open meadows, sea level to mid elevations, common.