About
An upright biennial to 1.5m, with a strong taproot, hollow stems, long, narrow, lobed, wavy leaves edged with soft spines. Clusters of yellow, dandelion-like flowers in summer are followed by fluffy, white 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
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrows naturally in disturbed ground such roadsides and poached pasture, or as a weed in gardens - cannot compete in established grass
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationSpreads readily by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and a leaf spot