Family: Asteraceae
prickly sow-thistle, spiny sow-thistle, spiny-leaf sow-thistle
[Sonchus asper f. glandulosus (L.) Hill, more...]
Paul Drobot
Paul Drobot
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
Etymology: Sonchus: the Greek name for sowthistle
Plants: erect, annual, 4"-80" tall, mostly hairless forb with milky juice
Leaves: alternate, often not lobed, heart-shaped bases clasping and curving around the stem, toothed to pinnately-divided, edges quite prickly, upper leaves smaller and less divided
Flowers: head 1/2"-1" wide with pale yellow ray flowers; inflorescence of several heads in open, branched clusters; blooms July-Oct.
Fruits: dry, unwrinkled seed faintly 3-5 ribbed on each side
Habitat: disturbed sites
Plants: erect, annual, 4"-80" tall, mostly hairless forb with milky juice
Leaves: alternate, often not lobed, heart-shaped bases clasping and curving around the stem, toothed to pinnately-divided, edges quite prickly, upper leaves smaller and less divided
Flowers: head 1/2"-1" wide with pale yellow ray flowers; inflorescence of several heads in open, branched clusters; blooms July-Oct.
Fruits: dry, unwrinkled seed faintly 3-5 ribbed on each side
Habitat: disturbed sites
Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FAC USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key
Paul Drobot
Paul Drobot
Emmet J. Judziewicz
Botanical Illustration
Botanical Illustration
Botanical Illustration
