Cirsium erisithales, (Jacq.) Scop.

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1976, Flora Europaea. Volume 4. Plantaginaceae to Compositae (and Rubiaceae), Cambridge University Press : 238

35. C. erisithales (Jacq.) Scop. , Annus Hist.-Nat. 2: 62 (1769).

Perennial (30-)60-120(-150) cm. Stem usually sparingly branched, leafless above the middle or with few small, bract-like leaves. Leaves herbaceous, oblong-elliptical to elliptical, pinnatisect, flat, pubescent; segments oblong to elliptical, dentate to lobed, with weak spinules up to 2 mm. Capitula solitary or in apical clusters of 2—3(—5), nodding. Involucre (13—)15—20 x 16-22 mm; bracts with conspicuous vittae and a usually patent apex, spinulose. Corolla 14-20(-22) mm, usually yellow. Achenes 4-5 mm; pappus 15-20 mm. 2n — 34. Damp grassland, stony slopes and open woodland; calcicele. • Mountain regions of Europe, from S. C. France and the Carpathians southwards to C. Appennini and E. C. Greece; also in the lowlands of W. margin of U.S.S.R. Al Au Cz Ga Gr He Hu It Ju Po Rm Rs (C, W).