Sonchus oleraceus
(Common Sow-thistle)
Sonchus asper, Hot Springs-Rio Grande Village Trail, Big Bend NP 6093/6117
Sonchus oleraceus, Santa Elena Canyon, Big Bend National Park 4603
Sonchus oleraceus, Santa Elena Canyon, Big Bend National Park 4607
Sonchus oleraceus, Santa Elena Canyon, Big Bend National Park 4604
| Scientific Name | Sonchus oleraceus | USDA PLANTS Symbol | SOOL |
| >Common Name | Common Sow-thistle | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 38427 |
| Family | Asteraceae (Sunflower) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description | Habitat: Most soils and habitats, including cultivated gardens, streets, parking areas, and disturbed areas; native to Eurasia but found almost everywhere in North America; images below came from plants growing in sandy soil next to the Rio Grande in Big Bend. Plant: Erect annual or biennial 4 inches to almost 5 ft. tall; solitary stems branched above near the inflorescence and full of latex. Leaves: Lower leaves are pinnatifid with deep triangular lobes, dentate margins with soft prickles; upper are alternate, clasping and generally entire or with shallow lobes; upper surfaces dull green and hairless. Inflorescence: Tight clusters of flower heads resembling dandelions at the top of the stem and arising from leaf axils, each 3/4 to 1-1/4 inches across; many yellow (or whitish) rays but no disk florets; blooming early in the day and closing by noon. Bloom Period: All year. References: SEINet, Illinois Wildflowers and Minnesota Wildflowers. |
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