Lucas Land
Spiny-leaved Sow Thistle
or
Prickly sow thistle
Sonchus asper
From Nearctica
Alien: Native of Europe.
Identification: Flowers yellow, arranged in a small panicle at the top of the plant. The upper and middle leaves are very spiny, curled, uncut, and the base wraps around the stem. The stem is smooth and glandular hairs are absent from it and the floral bracts. Plant 1 to 5 feet in height.
Distribution: Throughout most of North America.
Habitat: Spiny-leaved Sow-thistle is a weed found in vacant lots, roadsides, fields, and other recently disturbed areas.
Flowering period: June to October.