Silybum marianum, (L.) Gaertner

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 : 249

1. S. marianum (L.) Gaertner , Fruct. Sem. Pl. 2: 378 (1791).

Stem 20-150 cm, rarely shorter, glabrous or slightly arachnoid-pubescent, green. Basal leaves 25-50 x 12-25 cm, pinnatifid, glabrous or glabrescent, petiolate; cauline leaves smaller, less deeply divided, auriculate-amplexicaul, sessile, with yellowish-white spines up to 8 mm. Capitula 2-5-4 cm; peduncles long, erect, ebracteate or with few, small, leaf-like bracts; outer and middle involucral bracts with appendages 8-15 x 6-10 mm, gradually tapered into recurved, canaliculate spines 20-50 mm. Achenes 6-8 x 2-5-4 mm, shiny, black, with grey spots; pappus 15-20 mm. 2/2 = 34. Roadsides, waste places and cultivated ground. Mediterranean region and S. W. Europe', cultivated for ornament and naturalized or casual throughout a large part of Europe. Al BI Bu Co Cr Ga Gr Hs It Ju Lu Sa Si Tu [Be Br Cz He Ho Rm Rs (C, W, K, E)].