Common Sowthistle
Sonchus oleraceus
An upright herbaceous annual with lobed, slightly prickly leaves, hollow stems, and branching clusters of small yellow flower heads that mature into white, dandelion-like feathery seed heads.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, approximately 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Water
- Moderate watering needs; allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Exhibits average drought tolerance once established.
- Growth
- Herbaceous annual growing upright with a single branching stem, reaching mature heights of 1 to 4 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Water moderately when the top few inches of soil become dry. It requires minimal maintenance and adapts well to various soil conditions.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, approximately 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily
Watering
Moderate watering needs; allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Exhibits average drought tolerance once established.
Soil
Adaptable to most well-draining soils including loam, clay, or sandy substrates, with a preferred neutral to slightly alkaline pH range between 6.0 and 7.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 3 through 11
Growth habit
Herbaceous annual growing upright with a single branching stem, reaching mature heights of 1 to 4 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Flowers from late spring through autumn, producing small, pale yellow ray flowers housed in cylindrical heads.
Propagation
Propagates primarily by seeds, which are dispersed easily by the wind.
Common pests & issues
Generally resilient, but can occasionally be affected by aphids, powdery mildew, and rust under overly damp conditions.
Similar species
Can be confused with Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) or Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca serriola); distinguished by its branching, leafy stems and smooth, lobed foliage compared to basal-only rosettes or more heavily prickled midribs.