Dipsacus japonicus is a biennial herb found in sunny,
damp grasslands; the stems grow over one meter in height and branch
well, with stiff, spiny structures all over. Leaves are of alternate
phyllotaxis, and each pinnately cleft deeply into segments to the
bases. The pieces are sharp-pointed at their tips, and the margins
are serrated. Many light red-purple florets gather to form a
ball-like flower head. About 2cm across, the flower head has
5-20mm-long involucral bracts, which curve backward when standing in
a row. The corolla is cylindrical and cleft in 4 segments at the
top. Stamens, 4 in number, are above the corolla. Bloom time:
August-September. |