SONCHUS OLERACEUS


Common names: Sow Thistle
Description: Creeping rooted perennial growing to 1.5 meters tall. Stems branch near the top and contain a milky sap.
Flowers: Terminal cluster inflorescence. Yellow flowers, usually up to 3.8 cm broad. Seeds are flat achenes, ovoid in shape with 9mm long, white, feathery pappus.
Leaves: Leaves with very weak marginal prickles (unlike Sonchus asper), sessile.
Reproduction: By seed, wind dispersal.
Flowering: May through October
Habitat and Ecology: Native to Europe