Sonchus oleaceus
ASTERACEAE
Milk Thistle, Common Sow Thistle
Native to Asia, Africa & Europe. Occurs throughout Australia.
An invasive weed emerging in gardens, fields, crops & roadsides now, August(pictured). Will grow to 1 to 1.5 m tall.
It has a hollow stem which exudes a milky sap when cut or broken.
Soft, mid green, deeply lobed, toothed edged leaves that clasp the stem, 5 to 25 cm long gradually becoming smaller towards the top of the plant.
Bright yellow, dandelion like flowers, disc ray with many petals, bisexual, 2cm across, at the ends of the stems. Most of the year.
100s of dark brown seeds with white feathery tops that appear after the flower which are easily dispersed by wind or movement. Each plant can produce 25 000 seeds per year.
Leaves can be eaten as a salad green or cooked like spinach. Boiling or blanching will remove the bitter taste. Milk Thistle has a wide range of medicinal properties. A popular snack for pet birds. Makes an excellent addition to a green fertilizer brew or compost.
Hand pulling young plants is best as older plants have a deep root which can be loosened by a garden fork . It will not persist where grazed. Tillage is effective, especially before the weed seeds. Glyphosate is quiet effective.