It is a deciduous large shrub growing to 4 m tall, spreading by stoloniferous root sprouts.

Cirsium lecontei grows to about 35-110 cm and has a taproot, sometimes with root sprouts.

These trees form through root sprouts coming off an original parent tree.

It spreads extensively by root sprouts, which may be produced up to 40 metres from the parent tree.

The roots are thick and fleshy, and frequently produce root sprouts which can develop into new trees.

Growth is rapid, particularly with root sprouts, which can reach 1.2 m in the first year and 4.5 m in 4 years.

It propagates itself primarily through root sprouts, and extensive clonal colonies are common.

Once scab gets in contact with plant it will rapidly spread through the root sprouts.

The species still survives in hedgerows, as the roots are not killed and send up root sprouts ("suckers").

The majority of commercial Hazelnuts are propagated from root sprouts.