Common Name: annual sowthistle, common sowthistleScientific Name: Sonchus oleraceus L.Family Name: Asteraceae (Compositae) - Aster or Sunflower FamilyIdentification NotesLife Cycleintroduced annual, reproducing by seed Stemsupright, smooth, branched sparsely above Leaves alternate, deeply cut, lower slightly stalked, upper clasping with pointed lobes, margins weakly spined Flowersheads of pale yellow ray (ligulate) florets; terminal clusters; form "puffball" when mature Other: contains milky sap