Prickly Sowthistle
Sonchus asper
Also known as Spiny Sow Thistle, Rough Sow-thistle, Sow Thistle
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A spiny-leaved annual or winter annual weed with yellow dandelion-like flowers and milky sap. Typically considered a troublesome invasive species in gardens and disturbed areas.
Why grow it
Prickly sowthistle is occasionally retained in permaculture systems as a dynamic accumulator and early-season forage for livestock, particularly in cooler climates where it establishes before summer heat. Its deep taproot can break compacted soils, and it tolerates poor growing conditions better than many cultivated greens. However, domesticated leaf crops like spinach or chard typically offer superior yield and flavor for human consumption with less management overhead.
Watch out for
Prickly sowthistle has sharp leaf margins that can cause minor cuts during handling or weeding; wear gloves when removing plants by hand. The milky sap may irritate sensitive skin in prolonged contact. Since this plant establishes readily in disturbed soil and produces abundant wind-dispersed seeds, frequent monitoring and early removal are needed to prevent it from becoming established in garden beds.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Mediterranean and western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A spiny-leaved annual or winter annual weed with yellow dandelion-like flowers and milky sap. Typically considered a troublesome invasive species in gardens and disturbed areas.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Prickly Sowthistle grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Prickly sowthistle is occasionally retained in permaculture systems as a dynamic accumulator and early-season forage for livestock, particularly in cooler climates where it establishes before summer heat. Its deep taproot can break compacted soils, and it tolerates poor growing conditions better than many cultivated greens. However, domesticated leaf crops like spinach or chard typically offer superior yield and flavor for human consumption with less management overhead.
Watch out for
Prickly sowthistle has sharp leaf margins that can cause minor cuts during handling or weeding; wear gloves when removing plants by hand. The milky sap may irritate sensitive skin in prolonged contact. Since this plant establishes readily in disturbed soil and produces abundant wind-dispersed seeds, frequent monitoring and early removal are needed to prevent it from becoming established in garden beds.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Mediterranean and western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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