Annual Sow-Thistle
Sonchus oleraceus L.
Annual plant up to 1.0 m tall reproducing only from seed and with a deep taproot. Leaves are deeply lobed, without hairs, and shiny. Lower leaves have long petioles; upper ones are without petioles and the lower lobe clasps the stem. Stems have a milky sap . Numerous, globe-shaped flowers are borne on branched stalks. Flowers are compound with yellow petal-like ray florets and yellow center disc florets . At maturity, a dandelion-like pappus forms and distributes the wind-borne seed. Blooms from June to October.
Annual Sow-Thistle – Compound Flower
