Sonchus asper (L.) Hill

Growth Habit and Height

Sonchus asper (L.) Hill is an annual or biennial herb that can grow up to 200 centimetres (6.6 ft) tall.

Basic Plant Features

It has spiny leaves and yellow flowers that look like dandelion flowers.

Leaf Appearance

The leaves are bluish-green, simple, and lanceolate, with wavy, sometimes lobed margins.

Leaf Spines

Spines cover both the leaf margins and the undersides of the leaves.

Leaf Base Structure

The base of each leaf wraps around the stem.

Latex Production

When cut, both leaves and stems release a milky sap.

Flower Structure

A single plant produces several flat-topped clusters of flower heads; each flower head contains many yellow ray flowers and no disc flowers.

Native Range

This species is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia.

Invasion Status

It has become naturalized across other continents, and is considered a noxious invasive weed in many locations.

Edible Uses

Its leaves are edible, and can be used as a palatable, nutritious leaf vegetable.

Habitat Preferences

Sonchus asper grows in cultivated soil, pastures, roadsides, yard edges, vacant lots, construction sites, waste areas, and grasslands.