Herbs perennial, (25--)40--50(--70) cm tall. Roots fusiform, ± fleshy. Stems 1 to several, erect or branches ± ascending, often branched basally, unbranched apically, glabrous. Basal leaves often withering early; petiole to 10 cm. Stem leaves many, 7--16, alternate; proximal petioles to 3 cm, glabrescent; leaf blade lanceolate-oblong, 3--10 X 2--2.5 cm, glabrous on both surfaces, pinnatisect; segments 7--14 pairs, ovate-lanceolate, pinnatifid, spinescent-dentate. Inflorescences capitate; bracts leaflike. Pedicel 1--2 mm. Calyx 7.5--10 mm, deeply cleft anteriorly; lobes 5, unequal. Corolla purple, 2.3--3 cm, erect; tube ca. as long as calyx; galea ± bent at a right angle apically, not glandular pubescent, with 1 lanceolate reflexed marginal tooth on one side; beak ca. 6 mm; lower lip longer than galea, 1.1--1.4 X ca. 2 cm, sparsely ciliate. 2 filaments densely villous, 2 glabrous. Capsule long ovoid, ca. 1.1 cm X 4.5 mm. Fl. Jul--Sep, fr. Aug--Oct.
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