Smooth Sow Thistle is a
native
biennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in grassland, roadsides and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 100cm.
The Smooth Sow Thistle is called 'Smooth' to distinguish it from the Prickly Sow Thistle, which has spiny leaves. Sow Thistles take their name from the thistle-like lobed appearance of their greyish-green leaves and their traditional use to feed lactating pigs (owing to the association of the plant's white sap with milk production). Smooth Sow Thistle is not directly related to true thistles and is more closely related to the Dandelion. In fact, its flat-topped yellow flowerheads, made up entirely of ray florets, are very similar in appearance to Dandelion flowerheads, although in some cases the rays may be pale-yellow (especially towards the outer edges).
Botanic classification and naming: Smooth Sow Thistle is a member of the Daisy (Asteraceae) family. The genus name
'Sonchus' identifies the plant as a Sow Thistle and its species name 'oleraceus' means 'culinary plant'.
Concerns: Sow Thistles produce lots of seed and spread easily.
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