Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free picturethis icon
Continue Reading
Perennial sow thistle
Also known as: Field sowthistle
Perennial sow thistle is a plant that is native to Europe, but can be found in many other countries. In nearly all locations where it is found it is classified as an invasive weed due to its capability to spread rapidly and outcompete other native species.
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Weeds
Weed or not
Perennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Summer, Fall
Bloom Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Harvest Time
38 cm to 1.5 m
Plant Height
Green, Blue
Leaf Color
2.5 cm to 5 cm
Flower Size
Brown
Fruit Color
Yellow
Flower Color
Green
Stem Color

Images of Perennial sow thistle

Distribution of Perennial sow thistle

Distribution Map
Perennial sow thistle is a plant that is indigenous to Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia. It has since spread widely and is now found across many continents including North America, parts of South America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania where it typically grows in disturbed sites. Although perennial sow thistle is considered native in some regions, it is an introduced species in others, adapting and establishing itself in a variety of climates and conditions.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
Discover plant distribution and habitat
Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.
Download the App for Free
Habitat
Arable, wasteland, ditches, drift line of salt, brackish margins
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Culture

Symbolism
Strength, Protection, Hex Breaking
Get quick plant knowledge with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.
Download the App for Free

Weed Control

Perennial sow thistle is a weed that grows in the northeastern, central, and western United States and Texas. It grows along roadsides, railroad tracks, and other disturbed areas. It is listed as an invasive weed species in New Hampshire, several Midwestern states, and many western states including California and Alaska. It is listed as a noxious weed in Alaska and is prohibited by law there. Perennial sow thistle can cause problems in agricultural fields by competing for space, moisture, and nutrients and will typically reduce crop production. Soil tillage followed by deep plowing can curtail plant growth by severing and burying the roots or by applying an herbicide.
How to Control It
The best season for removing 'perennial sow thistle' is during springtime, preferably beginning this process in early spring before the plant blooms and releases its seeds.
  1. Manual Removal: Wearing a pair of gloves, firmly grab the 'perennial sow thistle' at the base just above the soil surface. Gently pull upwards to dislodge the plant and its root system from the soil. Be careful not to break off the roots. Repeat this process for all the 'perennial sow thistle' plants in your garden.
  2. Covering Method: Use a black plastic sheet or mulch to completely cover the area where the 'perennial sow thistle' is growing. This will deprive the plant of sunlight and effectively kill it. Leave the covering in place for six weeks.
  3. Biocontrols: Introduce natural predators of the 'perennial sow thistle' to your garden, such as the weevil or moth. These insects feed on the plant and can help control its population. However, make sure these insects are indigenous to your area to maintain a balanced ecosystem.
  4. Mowing: Regularly mowing your lawn before the 'perennial sow thistle' can flower and produce seeds can prevent it from spreading throughout your garden.
  5. Vinegar Spray: Mix one part vinegar with one part water and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the 'perennial sow thistle' during the hottest part of a sunny day. Repeat this process until the plant dies.
Identify toxic plants in your garden
Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.
Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Perennial sow thistle

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
5 - 32 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Perennial sow thistle thrives in open fields, requiring moderate water. It prefers weekly watering to simulate its natural habitat, balancing hydration and drought tolerance. As a robust herbaceous plant, it benefits from seasonal rainfall, ensuring proper growth without the risk of waterlogging.
Propagation: Perennial sow thistle propagation is best done by sowing in Spring. It's an easy process, evidenced by new foliage growth. Optimal soil conditions and adequate moisture are essential for enhancing success rates.
Get tips and tricks for your plants.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: How to Grow and Care for Perennial sow thistle
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Download the App for Free
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app