Common Name: spiny sowthistle, spiny-leaved sowthistleScientific Name: Sonchus asper L. HillFamily Name: Asteraceae (Compositae) - Aster or Sunflower FamilyIdentification NotesLife Cycleintroduced annual, reproducing by seed Stemsupright, smooth, branched sparsely above Leaves alternate, lobes pinnate or entire above, margins spiny and wavy, white mid-vein, large round basal lobes clasping - curled downward, often dark green and glossy Flowersheads of yellow ray (ligulate) florets; terminal clusters; form "puffball" when mature Other: contains milky sap