Cirsium setidens is a perennial plant up to tall. Radical leaves and lower cauline ones become withered when the flowers bloom. Mid cauline leaves are arranged alternately, ovate or wide lanceolate, green, and long, with tapering end, spiny or even margins, and leafstalks. The upper space of the leaves is hairy, while the underside is usually white-tinged without hair. Upper cauline leaves are smaller, lanceolate with pointy ends, shorter leafstalks, and spiny margin. The roots are erect.
