Sonchus oleraceusCommon name: Common Sowthistle

Meaning of name: Unknown

Distribution: Widespread from Wittenoom to the Nullarbor Plain.

Description: An erect annual with hollow stems to 1.5 metres tall. The stems produce white latex when cut. The yellow flowers are produced from June to December.

Notes: Native to Eurasia and North Africa.

References: Western Weeds, A Guide to the Weeds of Western Australia. BMJ Hussey, GJ Keighery, J Dodd, SG Lloyd, RD Cousens. 1997.
Flora of the Perth Region. NG Marchant, JR Wheeler, BL Rye, EM Bennett, NS Lander, TD Macfarlane. 1987

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Flower and buds of Sonchus oleraceus.

Sonchus oleraceus has a typical daisy-type flower.

Leaf margins are toothed and slightly prickly.

Lowermost leaves wrap around the petiole to form an auricle.

Sowthistle can smother and out-compete germinating native flora.