Sonchus asper
Laiteron épineux
Spiny Sow-thistle
Additional information
| Plant family | |
|---|---|
| Area | Provence Verte |
| Flower colour | yellow |
| Flower size | 25 mm |
| Flowering months | June, July, August, September, October |
| Leaf type | Hastate |
| Height | 120 cm |
Description
Sow thistles, when cut, discharge a milky substance (latex). The upper leaves clasp the stem. The lobes of the Sonchus are an aid for identification: whereas the lobes of Sonchus asper are rounded and pressed against the stem, the lobes of Sonchus oleraceus are triangular and pointed.
Flowers
Flowers have ray florets only. Bracts usually in 3 rows.
Leaves
Hastate spear-shaped leaf with horizontal lobes at base. Spear-shaped leaves clasp the stem, with rounded lobes folded towards the stem. The margins, soft and spiny, can be deeply lobed or not. Stems reddish.
Fruits Seeds
Achene: a cluster of 1-seeded fruit with feathery hairs.
Edible
Young leaves: before the spine stiffens, slightly bitter.
How to use this page
• Click or touch the large image to see and scroll the images against a dark background.
• Click the "Go back" button to return to your plant search or filtered selection.
• Click on the Category or Plant family above to list plants in the same category or family.
• Click "Wild Plants" (or the website title) at the top of the page to start again.