Field Sow-Thistle (Perennial Sow-Thistle)

Sonchus arvensis

A deep-rooted perennial, this plant produces a yellow flower of all ray florets that is up to 1-1/2 inches wide--larger than the flowers of other Sow-Thistles, which are annuals.  The smooth stem is unbranched except near the top, where several branches each support a number of buds that open in succession.  Leaves are long, ovate, and lobed, resembling leaves of dandelion, but are spiny along the edges; these leaves clasp the stem, with a small rounded 'bracket' surrounding the stem on each side.  The central vein of the leaf has no hairs or prickles on the underside.

1-4 feet, sun.

Summer-Autumn (June-October).

  Dandelion-like leaves with spiny edges clasp the smooth stem.

  27 June 2020.

Field Sow-Thistle, 14 June 2020.