Sow Thistle, Common sowthistle

Sonchus oleraceus

Basic Information

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

Genus: sonchus

Plant ID (slug): sonchus-oleraceus

Numeric ID: 24445

USDA Hardiness: Coming soon

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Sonchus oleraceus is a BIENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, south and east from Scandanavia to N. Africa, N. and W. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Stem Edible Uses: Gum Young leaves - raw or cooked[2, 4, 9, 13, 54]. This species has the nicest tasting leaves of the genus[153], they usually have a mild agreeable flavour[217] especially in the spring[K]. They can be added to salads, cooked like spinach or used in soups etc[183]. The leaves contain about 30 - 40mg of vitamin C per 100g[173], 1.2% protein, 0.3% fat, 2.4% carbohydrate, 1.2% ash[179]. A zero moisture analysis is also available[218]. It might be best, though it is not essential, to remove the marginal prickles[9]. Stems - cooked like asparagus or rhubarb[12]. They are best if the outer skin is removed first[183]. Young root - cooked[12]. They are woody and not very acceptable[144]. The milky sap has been used as a chewing gum by the Maoris of New Zealand[183].

Medicinal Uses

Cancer Emmenagogue Febrifuge Hepatic Hydrogogue Poultice Tonic Vitamin C Warts The plant is emmenagogue and hepatic[61, 257]. An infusion has been used to bring on a tardy menstruation and to treat diarrhoea[257]. The latex in the sap is used in the treatment of warts[218]. It is also said to have anticancer activity[218]. The stem juice is a powerful hydrogogue and cathartic, it should be used with great caution since it can cause colic and tenesmus[218]. The gum has been used as a cure for the opium habit[257]. The leaves are applied as a poultice to inflammatory swellings[4]. An infusion of the leaves and roots is febrifuge and tonic[240].