Creeping knapweed

Stem erect, branched, pubescent.

Lower cauline and basal leaves oblanceolate, lobed, soon withering or absent; cauline leaves oblong to lanceolate, entire or toothed, 1–5 cm long, 2–8 mm wide, pubescent.

Heads 5–7 mm diam.; involucral bracts pale green, pubescent; outer bracts circular to obovate, with broad entire to ± lacerate membranous appendages, purple; inner bracts lanceolate with acuminate, hirsute appendages.

Achenes 3–4 mm long, pale, striate; pappus to 8 mm long.