Perennial herb, up to 0.2 m high, when in flower up to 1.5 m high. Leaves rosulate at base, similar to A. peduncularis, but leaves paler green, particularly on undersurface, and of thinner texture. Involucral bracts large, > 10, fused in lower 1/3. Flowers very dark blue/purple, contrasting with surrounding white involucre. Flowering time Jan.-Apr.