Annual sow thistle
Common Name:
thistle, annual sow
Scientific Name:
Sonchus oleraceus
Family:
Asteraceae
Lifecycle:
Annual
Features
Rosette forming annual bolting during spring. Leaves lanceolate with distinct spines. Leaves possibly lobed, lower leaves less likely to be lobed. Leaves along bolting stem producing ear-like appendages clasping stem. Produces numerous flowers from a single bolting stem. Seed with pappus. Plant can appear dark green to purple.
Description
Common annual weed in low-maintenance turfgrass. An annual, whereas most thistles are biennials.