Long, deeply lobed, and toothed leaves lie relatively flat to the ground in a rosette with a deep taproot. Broken stems and leaves ooze a milky sap. Bright yellow flower heads are born individually on hollow stalks throughout spring. Each compound flower head has up to 200 florets. After flowering, the flower head closes and the seeds develop inside the closed head. When mature, seeds form a globe-like white seedhead. Each seed has bristles that float on the wind. Reproduces by seeds. New plants grow readily from seed and regrow from the prior year's taproot. If the entire root is not removed when pulling, the plants can regrow from the remaining taproot. Thrives in moist soil and sun but tolerates most soil types.