Common Burdock

Description:

It can grow 1 to 5 feet tall and forms multiple branches. Flowers are prickly and pink/purple in color. Flower heads are about .79 in wide. The flowers resemble and can be easily mistaken for thistles, but burdock can be distinguished by its extremely large leaves and its hooked bracts. Leaves are long and ovate. Lower leaves are heart-shaped and have very wavy margins.

Habitat:

This plant is native to Europe, but has become an invasive weed in Australia, North and South America. I spotted this at Kent Falls State Park.

Notes:

Thanks StirredMocha for the ID