About
This strong annual, up to 1.5m tall, with shiny, deeply lobed leaves with soft prickles, a hollow stem with milky sap, and, in summer, clusters of small, dandelion-like flowers followed by short-lived, fluffy seedheads.
About the genus
Sonchus are mostly annuals with a few perennials and rarely a shrub. Most produce a basal rosette of deeply-toothed leaves, upright stems with clasping leaves and yellow, dandelion-like flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrows naturally in cultivated ground, waste ground, roadsides and other open areas; a common garden weed
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationSpreads readily by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and a leaf miner
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and a leaf spot