Common Sow-thistle
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
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
2
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
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
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 to identify Common Sow-thistle?
The easiest way to identify Common Sow-thistle is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
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
Snap Map
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