Also known as Annual Sow Thistle · Annual Sowthistle · Common Annual Sow-Thistle
Common Sow-thistle (Sonchus oleraceus) is a widespread annual herb with edible leaves and milky sap, often found in disturbed soils and gardens.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
75% intensity
Thrives in sunny locations but tolerates some shade, which can keep the soil cooler.
Regular watering is recommended.
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging. Allow top layer to dry slightly between waterings.
Adaptable to most soils
50% intensity
Adaptable to various temperatures.
50% intensity
Grows well in cool to moderate temperatures; can tolerate some heat but may bolt faster.
Low requirement, often self-sufficient.
25% intensity
Rarely needs fertilization; thrives in average to rich soils. Over-fertilizing can be detrimental.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Pruning is generally not required for common sow-thistle, as it is an annual weed. If desired for aesthetic reasons or to prevent excessive seed spread, stems can be cut back after flowering.
Remove any diseased or damaged foliage promptly to maintain plant health.
Propagation is primarily through seeds, which are produced in large quantities and can self-sow readily. Seeds can be sown directly into the ground in spring or autumn.
It can also spread vegetatively from root fragments if the plant is disturbed.
Repotting is not applicable as Sonchus oleraceus is typically grown as an annual or a weed and is not usually cultivated in containers requiring repotting. If growing from seed and transplanting seedlings, ensure adequate space for root development.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Common Sow-Thistle (Sonchus oleraceus)
Where Common Sow-Thistle (Sonchus oleraceus) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Sonchus |
| Species | Sonchus oleraceus |
Similar in genus Sonchus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
