Sonchus oleraceus

Common Name: 
annual sowthistle, common sowthistle
Scientific Name: 
Sonchus oleraceus L.
Family Name: 
Asteraceae (Compositae) - Aster or Sunflower Family
Identification Notes
Life Cycle
introduced annual, reproducing by seed
Stems
upright, smooth, branched sparsely above
Growth Habit of Annual Sowthistle
Growth Habit of Annual Sowthistle
Leaves
alternate, deeply cut, lower slightly stalked, upper clasping with pointed lobes, margins weakly spined
Leaves of Annual Sowthistle
Leaves of Annual Sowthistle
Flowers
heads of pale yellow ray (ligulate) florets; terminal clusters; form "puffball" when mature
Flowers of Annual Sowthistle
Flowers of Annual Sowthistle
Other: 
contains milky sap