Scientific Name

Sonchus oleraceus

Sow Thistle

Common Name

Smooth sow thistle Other: Dindle, Hareslettuce, Milkwort, Milkydickle, Rabitsmeat, Swinies.

Type

Annual, overwintering.

Description

Herb, 5 ft tall. Prickly deeply serrated leaves. Stem contains an irritant latex and is glabourous. Large yellow flower June onwards.

Habitat

Arable fields and waste places.

Soil Type

Poor

Soil Fertility

Poor

Soil Moisture

Dry to moist.

Soil pH

All, except acid

Sunlight

Full sun

Success

Annual

Importance

Important on hard landscapes.

Cultural Control

(1.1) expose to frost.

Chemical Control

(3.1.2a) or (3.2.1).

Information Collated by James M. Burton as part of H.N.D. Course at Pencoed Agricultural College.
Chemical Information Correct as of 06:06:97. Always read and follow the instruction when using herbicides.