Spiny sowthistle - Sonchus asper (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Control)

Spiny sowthistle

Also known as: Rough Milk Thistle, Prickly sowthistle, Sharp-fringed sow thistle

The spiny sowthistle is considered a noxious and invasive weed in many areas. Its flowers resemble those of a dandelion and its leaves, although covered in spines, are edible. This plant can grow up to 1.8 m and sap that resembles milk will leak out of the leaves and stem if they are broken or cut.

Scientific classification

Species

Spiny sowthistle (Sonchus asper)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Annual, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

1.6 cm to 1.7 cm

Flower Size

Black

Fruit Color

Yellow

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Spiny sowthistle

Distribution of Spiny sowthistle

Distribution Map

The spiny sowthistle is native to temperate Europe, Asia and North Africa, where it grows in disturbed ecosystems. The species is considered invasive in some parts of Australia and several US states. It invades and damages agricultural croplands by being a host of several crop pests and diseases.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Cultivated soil, Waste places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Strength, Protection, durability, tenacity in difficult times, aggression, pain

Interesting Facts

Spiny sowthistle, or Sonchus asper, was once fed to lactating pigs. It was thought that the white milky sap from the plant would increase lactation. Pigs and rabbits seem to love the spiny leaves. Some people cook and eat the tender young leaves, but the older, more spiny leaves can become tough and bitter.

Name Story

Spiny sowthistle: All the plants from the Sonchus genus are called sowthistle. To differentiate all the different species, the name will emphasize their unique characteristics. For example, the edges of the leaves are serrated and the back of the leaves are spiny featured. Hence, it is called spiny sowthistle.

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Weed Control

Spiny sowthistle is considered native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, but can be found in many countries around the world. It is labeled as invasive in North and South America, most of Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Some also consider it noxious due to its likelihood of spreading disease and pests to crops. Characteristic of its name, spiny sowthistle has prickly leaves that can be a pain to handle. It produces multitudes of seeds and is extremely successful in colonizing any area. This makes it a threat to native species and ecosystems, as well as crop yields and private gardens.

How to Control It

The best season to remove spiny sowthistle is during the spring or early summer. Aim to remove the plant before it starts flowering and seed production occurs to prevent propagation.

Hand-Pulling: Make sure the soil is moist which can be achieved after recent rain or by manually watering the area. Use gardening gloves to get a firm grip on the stem of spiny sowthistle and pull directly upward to remove the entire plant, taking care to remove the deep roots.
Hoeing: When the soil is dry, use a sharp hoe to cut the plant at ground level. This method can restrict the plant's ability to photosynthesize which will eventually lead to its death.
Smothering: Use a thick layer of organic material or a specifically designed weed mat to cover the spiny sowthistle making sure no sunlight can get through. This will starve the plant of light, restricting its growth and ultimately killing it.
Solarization: This technique uses the power of sunlight to kill spiny sowthistle. Clear the area of all vegetation then water it thoroughly before covering with a clear plastic sheet. Leave the sheet in place for at least 4 to 6 weeks during the hottest part of the year, sunlight will heat the soil and kill the weeds.
Vinegar Spray: Create a homemade weed killer by combining vinegar with a small amount of dish soap. Spray it directly onto the spiny sowthistle, and the acetic acid in the vinegar will kill the plant.

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Quickly Identify Spiny sowthistle

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).

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Care Guide for Spiny sowthistle

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Spiny sowthistle thrives in temperate fields and waste areas, adapting to variable moisture. It has moderate drought tolerance and should be watered weekly. In the outdoors, spiny sowthistle adjusts its water uptake during the growing season, accommodating rainfall and dry spells.

Propagation: Spiny sowthistle propagates mainly by sowing in Spring, exhibiting a high germination rate. Healthy seedlings signify successful propagation. Maintaining adequate soil moisture is crucial for optimal growth.

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Images of Spiny sowthistle

Distribution of Spiny sowthistle

Culture

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Spiny sowthistle

Care Guide for Spiny sowthistle

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