Sonchus asper
(Spiny Sow-thistle)
Sonchus asper, Lockhart State Park, Caldwell Co. 4623
Sonchus asper, Wildflower Center, Austin, Travis Co. 1651
Sonchus asper, Washington-on-the-Brazos, Washington Co. 2659
Sonchus asper, near San Saba, San Saba Co. 0143
Sonchus asper, Wildflower Center, Austin, Travis Co. 1664
Sonchus asper, Lockhart State Park, Caldwell Co. 4632
Sonchus asper, Wildflower Center, Austin, Travis Co. 1666
Sonchus asper, Lockhart State Park, Caldwell Co. 4625
| Scientific Name | Sonchus asper | USDA PLANTS Symbol | SOAS |
| Common Name | Spiny Sow-thistle | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 38424 |
| Family | Asteraceae (Sunflower) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description | Habitat: Most soils and habitats, often disturbed areas; native to Europe but found almost everywhere in North America. Plant: Erect, coarse annual up to 4 ft. tall, sometimes taller; solitary stems branched above and full of latex. Leaves: Alternate, clasping, incised (lower) to dentate (mid-stem and above) leaves with sharp spines at lobe tips, 3 to 8 inches long overall; becoming smaller and lanceolate-deltoid above. Inflorescence: Solitary yellow flower heads resembling dandelions atop short leafless stalks; about 1-1/8 inches across; many rays but no disk florets. Bloom Period: All year. References: "Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country" by Marshall Enquist and "Wildflowers of Texas" by Geyata Ajilvsgi. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key | Texas Status: Introduced |
Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County
© Tom Lebsack 2024