Cirsium

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1976, Flora Europaea. Volume 4. Plantaginaceae to Compositae (and Rubiaceae), Cambridge University Press : 238

Sect. Cirsium (Sect. Chamaeleon DC. ). Leaves without rigid setae on the upper surface. Florets hermaphrodite, or the outermost functionally male or sterile. Corolla-limb 5-fid to about halfway, about as long as tube. Pappus shorter than, rarely equalling, corolla.