Cirsium nippoicum var. yoshinoi, a perennial growing to 1-2m in height, inhabits mountain edges or grasslands in hilly districts. Stems are erect or somewhat diagonally inclined, branching well at the middle to form wide angles. Leaves are slightly or deeply cleft into lobes, the tips are sharp, and the margins grow to sharp prickles. Flower heads in corymbs bloom straight or downward at an angle; the total number of bract columns is 8 to 9, a significant diagnostic feature for identifying this species. Bloom time: August-October.