The "Oni-azami" (Cirsium borealinipponense) belongs to Asteraceae (the Aster family). It is a perennial herb that is endemic to Japan and distributed northward form Chubu district to the Japan Sea side of Touhoku district. This herb grows in montane to sub-alpine grasslands and can reach 50-100 cm in height. The leaves are oblong and deep to intermediate pinnately. The lobes have spine tips. The basal leaves remain until flowering time. The magenta flower-heads are drooping and appear from June to September. The bracts are bell-shaped and sticky.