Spiny Sowthistle

Common Name: Spiny Sowthistle

Botanical Name: Sonchus asper (L.) Hill

Family: Asteraceae

Life Cycle: Annual (spreads by seeds)

Defining Identification Characteristics:

• Upright, hollow stem with milky sap when broken

• Alternate, stalkless leaves

• Leaf base curls around stem and downward

• Leaves lobed with spikes

• Round, yellow compound flowers

• Short taproot

Common habitat:

• Landscape gardens

• Roadsides

• Farm fields

Noxious Weed List/Legal Status:

Eradicate Control Restricted Specially Regulated Not Listed

Additional Information:

• Spiny Sowthistle