This native biennial often grows much taller than 6 feet. The lower leaves, up to 12 inches long, are deeply lobed (C); they clasp the smooth, stout stem. The upper leaves are smaller and variable in shape. Both stem and leaves contain a milky sap. Up to 100 small, dandelion-like, pale yellow flower heads, often tinged with pink or orange, are arranged in an elongated cluster (panicle) at the top of this tall plant (A,B). The flat black seeds have a narrow beak connecting it to “parachutes” of small white hairs for wind dispersal (D,E).