Berkheya purpurea is a fast-growing and long-lived, rhizomatous perennial which forms a dense clump of very prickly foliage tight on the ground.
The rosette of large, green leaves are up to 250 mm long with wavy and spiny edges.
The surface of the leaves are quite shiny,but the undersides are rather hairy.
The prickly flower stem grows up to a metre tall with the two to three flowerbud on short side branches.
The open faced daisy flowers have long and soft outer ray florets that are pale to deep mauve, whereas the inner disc florets are dark purple. Each flower lasts a few days and a single plant can have up to 15 flowers open at one time making an attractive display.
Best planted in groups, they go well in informal garden settings and especially in mixed borders.