This common biennial weed has probably been present in Ky. since early after settlement (Short et al. 1833). Reports of typical A. lappa L. and A. tomentosum P. Mill. cannot be confirmed and may be erroneous (M), but those species are reported from nearby in states to the north and east of Ky. (K, W). Typical lappa is a generally more robust plant that is locally common in Hamilton Co., Ohio, where often mixed with minus (D. Boone, pers. comm.). Hybrids may also be expected (2n = 36 in both; Cr, FNA 19). All of these taxa were treated as varieties of lappa in early literature (e.g. Gray 1864). A. minus and especially A. lappa (with cultivars) have an ancient association with livestock and mankind in Eurasia, especially Japan, There has been much medical and culinary use of roots or stems, which have high inulin content (e.g. Douglas et al. 1992). A. minus has prospered in east-central states, often reaching relatively large size compared to Eurasian records. Leaf blades here are usually 30-60 (-70) cm long (Cr, FNA 19, Y); a record 74 cm has been measured in FAYE (lobe base to apex). In Canada and Britain, typical maximum blade length is only 35-40 cm (Gross et al. 1979, Clapham et al. 1981).