Spiny-leaved Sow-Thistle

Sonchus asper

This annual weed is often much- branched. As its name suggests, its dandelion-like leaves are very spiny; the main tem is smooth, but the branches leading to flowering heads are also prickly.  Leaves clasp the main stem and have large rounded (and spiny) 'ears' or brackets that extend beyond the stem opposite where the leaf joins it.  Flowers are yellow, composed entirely of ray florets, and about 3/4 inch across.

1-3 feet, sun.

Summer-Autumn (June-October).

  Very spiny leaves that have large rounded 'ears' extending beyond where they join the stem.

8 June 2020.

Spiny-leavedf Sow-Thistle, 8 June 2020.