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Central QLD Coast Landcare Network

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Sow thistle, milk thistle

Sonchus oleraceus, Fam. Asteraceae


Erect, soft textured annual herb, 1.2-2m tall with green or bluish-green stems and milky sap.

Weed Category: Other invasive plants
Invasive plants that are not prohibited or restricted invasive plants, but are known to spread readily and cause negative impacts, within the region.
Weed: Yes
Form or habit: Herb
Family: Asteraceae
Leaf: Simple Alternate
Simple, alternate, sometimes initially forming a basal rosette, lower leaves up to 250 x 100mm, deeply divided into irregular lobes, the end lobe spade-shaped, margins toothed; upper leaves decreasing in size, becoming narrower, tapering into the tip and clasping the stem with a pair of pointed lobes at base.
Flower conspicuous: Conspicuous
Flower colour:

Yellow

Flower description: Fluffy heads, 10-20mm wide, yellow ‘petals’ and centres; borne in groups on long stout and hollow flowering stems.
Fruit conspicuous: Inconspicuous
Fruit colour:

Brown, White

Fruit: Dry
Fruit description: Brown ‘seeds’ 2.5-4mm long, compressed, longitudinally ribbed, transversely wrinkled and topped with ‘parachute’ of white fluffy hairs 5-8mm long.
Habitat:
Distribution
Food source for:
Toxicity: No toxicity known
Origin: Europe, Asia and northern Africa
Notes: Spread by: wind, water, and contaminated soil. Invades/threats: cropland, disturbed and waste land along roadsides, gardens. Notes: young leaves can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Environmental weed.
Information sources: Mackay Regional Pest Management Group (2018) Weeds of the Mackay Whitsunday Region Second Edition.

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