The "Nambu-azami" (Cirsium nipponicum) belongs to Asteraceae (the Aster family). It is a perennial herb that is native to northern Japan, northward from Chubu district of Honshu. This herb grows in mountains or grasslands and can reach 1-2 m in height. The radical leaves blight in flower season. The cauline leaves are lanceolate-elliptic and entire or intermediate pinnatifid. The sad pale magenta flower-heads appear from August to October and they are downward. The bracts are bell-shaped and sticky. The phyllaries are lanceolate and recurved or erect. This species is highly morphologic variable.