ExplorePlants

Common Sow-thistle

Sonchus oleraceus

Common Sow-thistle is a leafy plant that grows in gardens and fields. Its bright yellow flowers bloom in the summer, making it a cheerful sight in nature!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Common Sow-thistle has bright yellow, dandelion-like flowers clustered at the top of its stem. Its distinct, irregularly lobed, blue-green leaves clasp the hollow stem, often appearing slightly prickly. Milky white sap oozes when the stem is broken.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusSonchus
Common Sow-thistle
flowering trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgemedicinal trait badgeedible trait badge
Common Sow-thistle

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Ancient Romans believed eating its leaves helped with digestion!

It grows on every continent except icy Antarctica – truly global!

Many garden caterpillars love to munch on its fresh, tender leaves.

This resilient plant can sprout and thrive even in sidewalk cracks!

Special abilities

Ability

Healing Sap

Common Sow-thistle has milky white sap that acts as a natural defense against hungry insects and helps seal plant wounds.

Ability

Wind Rider Seeds

Common Sow-thistle produces light, feathery seeds that catch the wind, allowing them to travel far and wide to grow.

Ability

Rapid Regenerator

Common Sow-thistle can quickly grow new shoots and flowers, allowing it to recover fast from damage and spreading.

Measurements & details

Height
30-150 cm
Spread
15-45 cm
Flower Size
1-2.5 cm
Bloom Season
April to October
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Annual
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.

eaten by

European rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Rabbits frequently browse on its leaves.

eaten by

Garden snail

Helix aspersa

Snails often feed on its leaves and stems.

eats

Humans

Homo sapiens

Young leaves are used in salads and cooking.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always check with an adult before touching or tasting any plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Common Sow-thistle?

30-150 cm

How wide does Common Sow-thistle spread?

15-45 cm

How big are the flowers on Common Sow-thistle?

1-2.5 cm

When does Common Sow-thistle bloom?

April to October

Is Common Sow-thistle edible?

Yes

Is Common Sow-thistle toxic?

None

What is Common Sow-thistle's lifecycle?

Annual

How is Common Sow-thistle pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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