Notes For Reference:-

Species, Varieties, or Forms in the Genus Cirsium:
Cirsium bitchuense / Bicchuuazami
Cirsium buergeri / Himeazami
Cirsium chokaiense / Choushuuazami
Cirsium congestissimum / Hittsukiazami
Cirsium indefensum / Togenashiazami
Cirsium indefensum./ Izumoazami
Cirsium japonicum v. japonicum/Noazami
Cirsium japonicum var. japonicum f. albiflorum / Shirobananoazami
Circium mirabile / Obakeazami
Cirsium japonicum var. okiense / Okinoazami
Cirsium japonicum var. vestitum /

Cirsium indefensum /  Izumoazami イズモアザミ

Cirsium indefensum, a perennial herb 1-2m in height, occurs in forests or grasslands in mountainous regions. Stems stand straight up or diagonally upwards, the upper halves branching and spreading at wide angles. The on-stem leaves are of a subdued or intense texture, 20-30cm long and 10-20cm wide, in the shape of a lanceolate or oblong, and with pointed tips and entire or incised dentitions on the margins or pinnately cut in halfway; the leaves have short peduncles, otherwise the basal parts embrace the stems. Flower heads are sparsely set on the branch ends and bloom facing downwards; involucres are cylindrical or narrow tube-shaped. The involucral bracts, of a leathery texture, are arranged in 12 columns and are significantly short, with the tips devaricating or recurved. Bloom time: September-November.