Sonchus
sow-thistle
3 species
3 subspecies and varieties
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Sonchus arvensisfield sow-thistle, perennial sow-thistle
Distribution: Occurring on both sides of the Cascades crest in Washington; Alaska to California, east across most of North America to the Atlantic Coast.
Habitat: Balds, prairies, forest edge, stream banks, roadsides, fields, and other disturbed open areas generally at low elevations, often where moist.
Origin: Introduced from Europe
Flowers: July-October
Growth Duration: Perennial
ssp. arvensis – corn sow-thistle, field sow-thistle, perennial sow-thistle
ssp. uliginosus – field sow-thistle, marsh sow-thistle, wet ground sow-thistle
Sonchus asperprickly sow-thistle, spiny leaf sow-thistle
Distribution: Occurring on both sides of the Cascades crest in Washington, but more common west of the crest; Alaska to California, east to the Atlantic Coast.
Habitat: Forest edge, balds, prairies, roadsides, ditches, wastelots, and other disturbed open areas at low elevations.
Origin: Introduced from Europe
Flowers: June-October
Growth Duration: Annual
Sonchus oleraceuscommon sow-thistle
Distribution: Occurring on both sides of the Cascades crest in Washington, but more common west of the crest; Alaska to California, east across North America to the Atlantic Coast.
Habitat: Forest edge, balds, prairies, roadsides, ditches, wastelots, and other disturbed open areas at low elevations.
Origin: Introduced from Europe
Flowers: June-October
Growth Duration: Annual