Sonchus oleraceus aka Common Milk Thistle
Taxonomy
Sonchus oleraceus, also known as common sowthistle, sow thistle, smooth sow thistle, annual sow thistle, hare's colwort, hare's thistle, milky tassel, milk thistle, and soft thistle, is a species of flowering plant in the tribe Cichorieae of the family Asteraceae. Native to Europe and Western Asia, this upright biennial herb can reach a height of 1.5m and features a strong taproot, hollow stems, and long, narrow, lobed leaves with soft spines along the edges. During the summer, it produces clusters of yellow, dandelion-like flowers, followed by fluffy, white seedheads. Sonchus oleraceus prefers full sun and can tolerate various soil conditions. It is pollinated by bees and flies and spreads through wind or water-dispersed seeds. While considered an invasive species in many regions, it is commonly found in disturbed areas. The specific epithet "oleraceus" refers to its vegetable/herbal nature, while the common names "sow thistle" and "hare's thistle" stem from its attractiveness to pigs and its purported benefits to hares and rabbits, respectively.
Common names
Common Milk Thistle, Smooth Sow Thistle, Common Sow ThistleHow to care for Common Milk Thistle
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Common Milk Thistle due to its easy-going nature.
Water
Common Milk Thistle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Common Milk Thistle 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
Common Milk Thistle thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Common Sow Thistle.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for Common Milk Thistle to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
Fertilizer
The Common Milk Thistle should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
Common Milk Thistle grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.
Region of origin
Common Milk Thistle’s native range is Europe, including Britain, south and east from Scandanavia to N. Africa, N. and W. Asia.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Sonchus Genus
Sonchus kirkii New Zealand Sow Thistle
Sonchus oleraceus Common Milk Thistle
Sonchus arvensis Field Sowthistle
Sonchus canariensis
Sonchus leptocephalus
Sonchus novae-zelandiae Sonchus Novae Zelandiae
Sonchus brachyotus
Sonchus asper Spiny Sowthistle
Sonchus acaulis Sonchus Acaulis
