Common Sow Thistle (Sonchus oleraceus) is a fast-growing annual or biennial herb native to Europe but found globally. Widely recognized by its hollow stems, milky sap, and dandelion-like yellow flowers, it is an edible and nutrient-rich weed that thrives in disturbed soils and urban landscapes.
Physical & Botanical Traits
Stems & Sap: Plants grow between 30–100 cm tall, featuring erect, hairless, and hollow stems filled with a milky-white latex.
Leaves: Alternate, bluish-green leaves are deeply lobed and clasp the stem at the base. Though called a thistle, its prickles are soft and non-threatening.
Flowers: Clusters of small (about 2 cm wide), golden-yellow, dandelion-like flowers bloom from spring to mid-summer, opening in the morning and closing by noon.
Seeds: Each plant can produce up to 25,000 seeds. They are flat, ribbed, and topped with parachute-like hairs, allowing the wind to easily disperse them.
