Sonchus asper

Sonchus asper, also known as spiny sowthistle, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe, but it has been introduced to many other parts of the world as a weed.

Description

Sonchus asper is an annual or biennial plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The leaves are spiny and lobed, with the lobes pointing back towards the base of the leaf. The flowers are yellow and are produced in capitula (clusters), with each capitulum containing many individual flowers.

Distribution and habitat

Sonchus asper is native to Europe, but it has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand. It is commonly found in disturbed habitats, such as roadsides, fields, and waste areas.

Uses

While Sonchus asper is often considered a weed, it has also been used for various medicinal and culinary purposes. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and the plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as digestive problems and skin conditions.

See also

• Sonchus oleraceus
• Asteraceae
• Invasive species

References

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