Scientific Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
<i>Sonchus nymanii</i>
Other common names
prickley sowthistle
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Introduced
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
1 to 6 feet
Riparian
No
This is an annual plant with spiny leaves and yellow dandelion-like flowers. It is native to Europe and is considered to be an undesirable import.
Auricles, (an earlike projection on the base of the leaf), are rounded and achenes are not transversely wrinkled, distinguishes this species from Sonchus oleraceus.
Habitat
An invasive weed found along roadsides, in waste areas, gardens, and cultivated fields. The deep taproot and spiny leaves make it hard to eradicate.
Plant Community
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
150
High elevation
7000
Flower Characteristics
The 1 inch flower is made up of ray petals with fringed tips. Clustered flowers are on individual stalks. Dependent on the plant colony, any given plant will flower from late spring to early fall.
Flower color
Yellow
Flower shape
Daisy or dandelion-like
Tubular
No
First bloom month
April
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Lower leaves are lobed and toothed with spiny margins; leaves of the stem have sharp, stiff prickles and large rounded basal lobes which clasp the stem. Both the stems and leaves contain a milky sap.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
Yes
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
The fruit is flat and three-ribbed on each face and has a cluster of fine hairs attached to the upper end.
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit color
Brown
Seeds are wind dispersed.