Smooth Sow Thistle


Smooth Sow Thistle
Taken at Musselburgh on 27th July 2016 using Panasonic Lumix LX5 in macro mode.

Taken at Musselburgh on 11th August 2019 using Panasonic Lumix LX5 in macro mode.

Smooth Sow Thistle

Species:
Order:
Family:
Habit:
Local Names:

Sonchus oleraceus.
Asterales.
Asteraceae.
Erect annual herb
Hare's Colwort, Hare's Thistle, Milky Tassel, Wwinies.

Habitat:

Blooms:
Height:
Feature:

Prefers full sun, and can tolerate most soil conditions.
Found mostly on disturbed soil
Once considered winter dominant, now it is found all year round.
30-110cm high with hollow stems, exuding latex if damaged.
Leaves are eaten as salad greens or cooked like spinach. This is one of the species used in Chinese cuisine. Blanching or boiling removes bitter flavour.