Sonchus asper aka Spiny Sowthistle

Taxonomy

Sonchus asper, also known as the prickly sow-thistle, rough milk thistle, spiny sowthistle, sharp-fringed sow thistle, or spiny-leaved sow thistle, is a widespread flowering plant in the tribe Cichorieae within the family Asteraceae. It is an annual or biennial herb that can reach a height of 200 cm and has spiny leaves and yellow flowers resembling those of the dandelion. The bluish-green leaves are simple, lanceolate, with wavy and sometimes lobed margins, and are covered in spines on both the margins and beneath. The base of the leaf surrounds the stem and both the leaves and stems emit a milky sap when cut. One plant will produce several flat-topped arrays of flower heads, each head containing numerous yellow ray flowers but no disc flowers. However, it should be noted that this plant might be poisonous. Perennial sowthistle, which resembles dandelions more than it does true thistles, usually grows 2 to 4 feet high and has an extensive root system that grows up to 10 feet deep and can spread more than 6 feet in one growing season. Its leaves vary in size and are alternate, prickly edged, and lance shaped. Flower heads are 1 to 2 inches across and bright yellow, with green bracts covered in tiny hairs and white margins. To get rid of Sonchus asper, spot spraying with an herbicide containing glyphosate may be used effectively in the spring while the plant is actively growing, up to when the flowering stem bolts. The goal is to ensure all plants have emerged. Cut the plant tops off before an herbicide application to prevent seed production, and spray each plant thoroughly on the stems and leaves, enough to be wet but not dripping. However, it should be noted that glyphosate is non-selective and will injure any plants that it comes in contact with, including grass. Spiny Sowthistle, on the other hand, is a super rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It belongs to the Sonchus genus and is native to Eurasia and North Africa. Spiny Sowthistle likes soil that is well draining and does best in long-lasting, direct light, less than 1 foot from a window. It shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Spiny Sowthistle, Spiny Leaved Sow Thistle, Prickly Sowthistle

How to care for Spiny Sowthistle

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Spiny Sowthistle is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Spiny Sowthistle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Spiny Sowthistle loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Spiny Sowthistle requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Spiny Leaved Sow Thistle is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Spiny Sowthistle should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Spiny Sowthistle as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Spiny Sowthistle’s native range is Europe, including Britain, south and east from Scandanavia to N. Africa, N. and W. Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia