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| Scientific Name | Sonchus asper | USDA PLANTS Symbol | SOAS |
| Common Name | Spiny Sow-thistle | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 38424 |
| Family | Asteraceae (Sunflower) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description | Habitat: Most soils and habitats, often disturbed areas; native to Europe but found almost everywhere in North America. Plant: Erect, coarse annual up to 4 ft. tall, sometimes taller; solitary stems branched above and full of latex. Leaves: Alternate, clasping, incised (lower) to dentate (mid-stem and above) leaves with sharp spines at lobe tips, 3 to 8 inches long overall; becoming smaller and lanceolate-deltoid above. Inflorescence: Solitary yellow flower heads resembling dandelions atop short leafless stalks; about 1-1/8 inches across; many rays but no disk florets. Bloom Period: All year. References: "Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country" by Marshall Enquist and "Wildflowers of Texas" by Geyata Ajilvsgi. |
BONAP Distribution Map |
Texas Status: Introduced |
