About Sonchus arvensis L.
Sonchus arvensis L. is a plant that reaches up to 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches) in height. Its leaves measure 10–35 cm (4–13 and 3/4 inches) long and 4–14 cm (1 and 1/2–5 and 1/2 inches) wide. It produces noticeable yellow flowerheads around 3–5 cm (1 and 1/4–2 inches) wide, which are visited by many different types of insects, particularly hoverflies of the genus Eristalis. Sonchus arvensis is native to Eurasia, where it is widespread across most of the continent. It has become naturalized in many other regions, and is classified as an invasive noxious weed in some areas including North America (which includes Prince Edward Island), Russia, New Zealand, and Australia. It typically grows in habitats such as pastures, roadsides, bushlands, and the shorelines of lakes, rivers, and sea coasts. A 2003 study found that as future global atmospheric carbon levels rise, S. arvensis exhibits increased growth. This could potentially allow the species to expand its range and outcompete native plant species. For uses, young leaves that are less than a few inches long and not bitter can be mixed with other greens to make salad. The leaves can also be boiled in a small amount of water, with the water changed once during cooking. This plant may contain toxic nitrates.
