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Sowthistles (Sonchus)
Also known as : Hare thistles
Sowthistles is a genus in the sunflower family and the dandelion tribe. The species in this genus are sure to be familiar because they are common garden weeds. These fast-spreading plants have yellow flowers and propagate, like most dandelions, by seeds that are carried on the wind. Some species have prickly leaves and most have characteristic variegated leaves.
Lifespan
Annual, Biennial
Key Facts About Sowthistles
Feedback
Attributes of Sowthistles
Flower Size
2.5 cm to 8 cm
Scientific Classification of Sowthistles
Distribution of Sowthistles
Feedback
Distribution Map of Sowthistles
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Sowthistles
Feedback
Sowthistles is a low-maintenance genus recognized for its adaptability. Basic Care Needs involve ample sunlight and well-drained soil, while managing moisture levels to prevent waterlogging. They thrive in moderate temperatures and tolerate a range of soil types. Common Challenges include infestation by aphids and susceptibility to mildew and leaf spot. Seasonal Considerations include reducing watering in winter and monitoring for pests in spring and summer. Despite challenges, sowthistles make a rewarding addition to many garden settings.
How to Water Sowthistles?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Sowthistles?
How to Propagate Sowthistles?
How to Plant Sowthistles?
Exploring the Sowthistles Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Common sowthistle
Common sowthistle is a common weed originated in Europe and West Asia. Alongside many sister species that hard to distinguish, it is considered to be an invasive plant in many parts of the world. Its leaves with some bitter taste are editable either green as a part of a salad or cooked in various ways.
Spiny sowthistle
The spiny sowthistle is considered a noxious and invasive weed in many areas. Its flowers resemble those of a dandelion and its leaves, although covered in spines, are edible. This plant can grow up to 1.8 m and sap that resembles milk will leak out of the leaves and stem if they are broken or cut.
Slender sowthistle
Slender sowthistle (Sonchus tenerrimus) is an annual or perennial herb with a slender stem that will grow to 81 cm tall. Native to Europe and Africa, it is commonly found growing in California. A member of the aster family, it produces yellow, daisy-like flowers but without disc floret centers.
Perennial sow thistle
Perennial sow thistle is a plant that is native to Europe, but can be found in many other countries. In nearly all locations where it is found it is classified as an invasive weed due to its capability to spread rapidly and outcompete other native species.
Marsh sow-thistle
Marsh sow-thistle (Sonchus palustris) is reasonably salt-tolerant so it is able to grow beside the brackish waters of tidal river estuaries. It gets its Latin name Sonchus palustris, which means "of the marsh", from its native marshland habitats. This thistle can survive in these damp locations because it has adapted to thrive in nitrogen-rich conditions.
Moist sowthistle
Moist sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis subsp. uliginosus) is an innocent-looking plant with an attractive dandelion-like flower. This species spreads aggressively, however, and can often be seen alongside cultivated crops and in meadows, lawns, and disturbed land. This plant is considered a weed in much of North America, and in Alaska it is classed as a noxious weed and outlawed.
Perennial sowthistle
Perennial sowthistle is a close relative of the dandelion and is often mistaken for it, but originates from an entirely different part of the world thousands of miles away. Just like the common dandelion, it is considered an invasive species in some areas, and is a host plant for aphids.
Sonchus brachyotus
Sonchus brachyotus is an Asian species of plants in the dandelion tribe within the daisy family. It is widespread across much of northern Asia, found in Japan, Korea, China, Russia, Mongolia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Caucasus, Kyrgyzstan, etc. Sonchus brachyotus is a perennial herb up to 100 cm tall. It produces flat-topped arrays of several flower heads, each head with 170-300 yellow ray flowers but no disc flowers.
All Species of Sowthistles
Common sowthistle
Common sowthistle
Common sowthistle is a common weed originated in Europe and West Asia. Alongside many sister species that hard to distinguish, it is considered to be an invasive plant in many parts of the world. Its leaves with some bitter taste are editable either green as a part of a salad or cooked in various ways.
Spiny sowthistle
Spiny sowthistle
The spiny sowthistle is considered a noxious and invasive weed in many areas. Its flowers resemble those of a dandelion and its leaves, although covered in spines, are edible. This plant can grow up to 1.8 m and sap that resembles milk will leak out of the leaves and stem if they are broken or cut.
Slender sowthistle
Slender sowthistle
Slender sowthistle (Sonchus tenerrimus) is an annual or perennial herb with a slender stem that will grow to 81 cm tall. Native to Europe and Africa, it is commonly found growing in California. A member of the aster family, it produces yellow, daisy-like flowers but without disc floret centers.
Perennial sow thistle
Perennial sow thistle
Perennial sow thistle is a plant that is native to Europe, but can be found in many other countries. In nearly all locations where it is found it is classified as an invasive weed due to its capability to spread rapidly and outcompete other native species.
Marsh sow-thistle
Marsh sow-thistle
Marsh sow-thistle (Sonchus palustris) is reasonably salt-tolerant so it is able to grow beside the brackish waters of tidal river estuaries. It gets its Latin name Sonchus palustris, which means "of the marsh", from its native marshland habitats. This thistle can survive in these damp locations because it has adapted to thrive in nitrogen-rich conditions.
Moist sowthistle
Moist sowthistle
Moist sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis subsp. uliginosus) is an innocent-looking plant with an attractive dandelion-like flower. This species spreads aggressively, however, and can often be seen alongside cultivated crops and in meadows, lawns, and disturbed land. This plant is considered a weed in much of North America, and in Alaska it is classed as a noxious weed and outlawed.
Perennial sowthistle
Perennial sowthistle
Perennial sowthistle is a close relative of the dandelion and is often mistaken for it, but originates from an entirely different part of the world thousands of miles away. Just like the common dandelion, it is considered an invasive species in some areas, and is a host plant for aphids.
Sonchus brachyotus
Sonchus brachyotus
Sonchus brachyotus is an Asian species of plants in the dandelion tribe within the daisy family. It is widespread across much of northern Asia, found in Japan, Korea, China, Russia, Mongolia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Caucasus, Kyrgyzstan, etc. Sonchus brachyotus is a perennial herb up to 100 cm tall. It produces flat-topped arrays of several flower heads, each head with 170-300 yellow ray flowers but no disc flowers.
Chatham island sow thistle
Chatham island sow thistle
Chatham island sow thistle is characterized by its large, lobed leaves that form a substantial rosette at the base. The leaves' upper surfaces are bright green, showcasing a waxy sheen, while the undersides bear a paler tone. Towering above, its yellow, dandelion-like flowers emerge on hollow stems, signaling its presence in meadows and waste spaces. This vigorous grower thrives in well-lit, disturbed soils, where its robust root system anchors it firmly.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Sowthistles
Sonchus
Also known as: Hare thistles
Sowthistles is a genus in the sunflower family and the dandelion tribe. The species in this genus are sure to be familiar because they are common garden weeds. These fast-spreading plants have yellow flowers and propagate, like most dandelions, by seeds that are carried on the wind. Some species have prickly leaves and most have characteristic variegated leaves.
Lifespan
Annual, Biennial
Key Facts About Sowthistles
Feedback
Attributes of Sowthistles
Flower Size
2.5 cm to 8 cm
Scientific Classification of Sowthistles
Distribution of Sowthistles
Feedback
Distribution Map of Sowthistles
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Sowthistles
Feedback
Sowthistles is a low-maintenance genus recognized for its adaptability. Basic Care Needs involve ample sunlight and well-drained soil, while managing moisture levels to prevent waterlogging. They thrive in moderate temperatures and tolerate a range of soil types. Common Challenges include infestation by aphids and susceptibility to mildew and leaf spot. Seasonal Considerations include reducing watering in winter and monitoring for pests in spring and summer. Despite challenges, sowthistles make a rewarding addition to many garden settings.
How to Water Sowthistles?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Sowthistles?
How to Propagate Sowthistles?
How to Plant Sowthistles?
Exploring the Sowthistles Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Common sowthistle
Common sowthistle is a common weed originated in Europe and West Asia. Alongside many sister species that hard to distinguish, it is considered to be an invasive plant in many parts of the world. Its leaves with some bitter taste are editable either green as a part of a salad or cooked in various ways.
Spiny sowthistle
The spiny sowthistle is considered a noxious and invasive weed in many areas. Its flowers resemble those of a dandelion and its leaves, although covered in spines, are edible. This plant can grow up to 1.8 m and sap that resembles milk will leak out of the leaves and stem if they are broken or cut.
Slender sowthistle
Slender sowthistle (Sonchus tenerrimus) is an annual or perennial herb with a slender stem that will grow to 81 cm tall. Native to Europe and Africa, it is commonly found growing in California. A member of the aster family, it produces yellow, daisy-like flowers but without disc floret centers.
Perennial sow thistle
Perennial sow thistle is a plant that is native to Europe, but can be found in many other countries. In nearly all locations where it is found it is classified as an invasive weed due to its capability to spread rapidly and outcompete other native species.
Show More Species
All Species of Sowthistles
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
