Common sowthistle - Sonchus oleraceus (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Control)

Common sowthistle

Also known as: Hare's colwort, Swinies

Common sowthistle is a common weed originated in Europe and West Asia. Alongside many sister species that hard to distinguish, it is considered to be an invasive plant in many parts of the world. Its leaves with some bitter taste are editable either green as a part of a salad or cooked in various ways.

Scientific classification

Species

Common sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

30 cm to 1.5 m

Plant Height

50 cm

Spread

Green, Red, Purple

Leaf Color

6 mm to 2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

Yellow, White

Flower Color

Green, Red, Purple

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Common sowthistle

Distribution of Common sowthistle

Distribution Map

Common sowthistle is native to most of Europe, the Mediterranean, and northern Africa. It grows in varied habitats from roadsides to sand dunes to mountain slopes. Common sowthistle has been introduced across most of the world and is considered invasive in some US states and in Australia, where it brings in pests and disease, reducing yields.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Waysides, Waste, Cultivated ground

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Economic Value

Stems and leaves of the common sowthistle are tender and juicy. They are excellent feed.

Garden Use

Common sowthistle is grown in nurseries and used in landscaping, although it is commonly viewed as a weed, due to its quick-spreading nature. In gardens and nurseries, this plant serves well as a sacrificial plant because it encourages the appearance of hoverflies, which in turn will help eliminate pesky aphids. It makes a good companion plant to tomatoes, corn, and other garden plants.

Symbolism

courage, overcoming adversity

Interesting Facts

Ancient botanists believed that the plant was controlled by Mars, the Roman God of War. It would grow thorns all over and looks like armed soldiers.

Name Story

Common sowthistle: From its specific epithet oleraceus, it is known that it tastes good which is also why it is used to lure pigs. Also, the leaves are similar to the young thistle plant, so it is called common sowthistle.

Hare's colwort: All living creatures have their own rules of survival, and rabbits are no exception. If they happen to faint in hot weather, they will certainly look for this plant and consume it to relieve the heat. So, it will be called hare's colwort.

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Weed Control

Common sowthistle is native to Eurasia and North Africa and can be found in nearly every part of the world. Common sowthistle is considered a noxious weed in the state of Alaska and an invasive species in parts of every continent. It spreads aggressively due to its small light seeds, which are easily dispersed. One plant can produce up to 6,000 seeds, making it an ecological threat to native plants. It particularly threatens crops with its dense growth and quick flowering. Common sowthistle also dramatically reduces water resources and is known to host 23 different species of pests, which only adds to its weedy invasion.

How to Control It

The best time to remove or control common sowthistle is during the spring, specifically before the plant goes to seed. This minimizes the chance of reinfestation in the following seasons.

Hand pulling: This involves taking hold of the weed at its base and pulling it out from the ground. Ensure you remove the whole root to prevent the plant from growing back.
Smothering: Lay down a thick layer of organic mulch (like compost, wood chips, or straw) around your plants. This helps prevent common sowthistle seeds from getting the sunlight they need to grow.
Solarizing: This method requires a clear plastic sheet. Spread it over the infested area during the warmest part of the year. The heat trapped underneath the plastic will kill common sowthistle.
Biological control: There are certain insects and pathogens that feed on common sowthistle and can naturally control its spread. Research the local organisms that are safe to introduce into your garden.
Planting dense ground covers: Establishing competitive plants can help keep common sowthistle from taking hold by denying them the space and resources to grow.

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Care Guide for Common sowthistle

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Common sowthistle thrives in moist environments and prefers evenly moist soil. It requires weekly watering and exhibits moderate drought tolerance. Primarily cultivated outdoors, common sowthistle benefits from rainfall, especially during its active growing season, when it needs increased moisture for optimal growth.

Propagation: Propagating common sowthistle is most effective by sowing seeds in early Spring. It is moderately easy to propagate, with successful germination indicated by emerging seedlings. For optimal growth, provide well-draining soil and sufficient sunlight.

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Images of Common sowthistle

Distribution of Common sowthistle

Culture

Weed Control

Care Guide for Common sowthistle

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