A biennial, sometimes perennial plant (family Asteraceae) with an erect stem up to 2 m tall, lobed leaves, and bright yellow, flat-topped, composite flowers. It is native to Eurasia and widespread on waste ground, roadside verges, and in pastures; it is a food plant to many insects and the only food for certain species. It has been introduced in North America, South America, North Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.