Up to 4 ft. tall and covered with long hairs
Alternate; resemble a hound's tongue; lance-shaped, 1-12 in. long, 1-3 in. wide, rough texture and covered with long hairs; edges (margins) lack teeth and lobes
Leaf stems (petioles) on lower but not upper leaves; leaves decrease in size from bottom to top of plant
Purplish-red flowers with 5 petals; occur in clusters
4 nutlets (seeds) per flower, 0.25 in. long and brownish at maturity; covered with short prickles that can attach to clothing or animal fur
Thick, deep taproot
Grows best in moist areas; often found in pastures, roadsides, fencelines, waste areas and along waterways; known to occur in Elko, Eureka, Humboldt and Lyon counties
Biennial, but sometimes annual or perennial; reproduces by seed
Toxic to livestock, especially horses; has a distinctive odor that may cause animals to avoid
Mowing or tillage prior to seed production is effective
Apply 2,4-D, metsulfuron, picloram or imazapic to actively growing plants prior to bloom