

How to identify Spiny sowthistle (Sonchus asper)
Spiny sowthistle, also known as Rough Milk Thistle, Prickly sowthistle, Sharp-fringed sow thistle
Spiny sowthistle is distinguished by its spiny, lobed leaves and bright yellow composite flowers. It forms an upright, leafy stem that often reaches heights of 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm). The leaves are deeply notched with coarse spines along the edges and are generally green with a hint of bluish-gray. Flower heads are showy, resembling dandelion blooms, and appear at the ends of branches. This plant tends to flourish in full sunlight, adapting to varied soil conditions, from moist to slightly dry. It rapidly produces seeds, primarily relying on wind for dispersal.
Spiny, lobed leaves with coarse margin spines.
Bright yellow composite flowers in clusters of 1 to 5.
Flat, spindle-shaped achenes with silky white tufts.
Dark green glossy leaves with white mid-vein.
Upright stem with sparse branching, reaching up to 3 feet (90 cm).
The leaves of spiny sowthistle are notable for their spiny margins and wavy texture. Large basal leaves and smaller upper leaves are dark green, often glossy, with soft, very spiny teeth. Leaves range up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and 3 inches (7.5 cm) across, although typically they are smaller. The white mid-vein and large round basal lobes that clasp and curl downward are distinctive. Depending on the local form, the leaves may be pinnatifid or broadly lanceolate to oblanceolate.
The flowers of spiny sowthistle form in clusters of 1 to 5 on short stalks at the top of the stems. Each flower, about 2/3 inch (1.7 cm) across when fully open, consists of numerous bright yellow ray florets. The base of each flower is enveloped by dull green bracts. The blooming period extends from late spring to early fall, with individual colonies flowering for roughly a month.
The stem of spiny sowthistle is upright and smooth, with sparse branching occurring mostly towards the top. Longitudinal veins are conspicuous along the stem, which is typically hairless, although sometimes fine hairs can be found on the upper sections and flowering stalks. The stem is generally green and can reach up to 3 feet (90 cm) in height. It is round in cross-section and maintains a consistent thickness throughout.
The fruit of spiny sowthistle consists of flat, spindle-shaped achenes that exhibit a hairless texture. These achenes boast several pronounced longitudinal ribs, indicative of the species' fruit structure, and are crowned with silky white tufts of hairs aiding in wind dispersal. Typically, the achenes display a subtle coloration, often blending in with the surrounding foliage. Dimension-wise, the achenes are petite, suitable for windborne travel. These characteristics are pivotal for recognition and classification of spiny sowthistle's fruit.
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Scientific Classification of Spiny sowthistle