Also known as Native Sow-Thistle · Native Sowthistle · Perennial Sowthistle
Prickly sowthistle (Sonchus asper) is an annual herb with spiny leaves and yellow, dandelion-like flowers. It's often considered a weed but has some historical medicinal
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 15-25°C.
Low
25% intensity
Minimal fertilization required, a light feed in spring is adequate.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets, with young leaves being edible.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water prickly sowthistle regularly, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
In very hot weather, more frequent watering may be necessary to maintain optimal soil moisture.
Pruning prickly sowthistle is primarily focused on managing its spread and removing spent flower stalks. Cut back stems after flowering to prevent unwanted seed production.
Remove any dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance. This also encourages bushier growth.
Prickly sowthistle readily self-seeds, making propagation simple. Seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown directly into the garden in autumn or early spring.
Alternatively, sow seeds indoors a few weeks before the last expected frost. Division of established clumps is also possible.
Repotting is not typically necessary for prickly sowthistle as it is often grown as an annual or self-seeding perennial and can spread aggressively. If grown in containers and it becomes root-bound, repot in spring to a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Identify plants like this with ePlant
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 Prickly Sowthistle (Sonchus asper)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Magnoliopsida |
| order | Asterales |
| family | Asteraceae |
| genus | Sonchus |
| species | Sonchus asper |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
