Spiny sow thistle
Sonchus asper subsp. glaucescens

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A herb. It takes 2 years to complete its life cycle.

The plant in Tasmania is probably Sonchus asper.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Albania, Algeria, Australia, Austria, Azores, Balkans, Bolivia, Britain, Bulgaria, Canary Island, Crete, Croatia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Europe, France, Greece, Hawaii, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, North Africa, Portugal, Romania, Sicily, Spain, Switzerland, Syria, Tasmania, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, Yugoslavia

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Stems/roots, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Callicaotu, Cardiddazza, Cardinnastra, Diken otu, Eşek dikeni, Eşek helvası, Helvacık, Ozsutlu, Su kangali, Sutlot, Sutlen, Sutluk, Sutluotu, Zochos

Synonyms

Sonchus glaucescens Jordan; Sonchus nymanii Tineo & Guss.;