Perennial Sowthistle

Perennial Sowthistle is an invasive broadleaf weed.  This weed is often seen in landscape beds, ditches and neglected areas in a lawn.  The leaves of Perennial Sowthistle are green in color.  The leaves are long and smooth with sharp edges.  The mature plant produces a thick stem that grows right out of the center of the plant.  This stem serves as a support for the flowers that this plant produces.  If the stock or leaves are broke, they will produce a white milky substance.  The flowers of Perennial Sowthistle are yellow in color.  The flowers resemble that of a dandelion.  The leaf structure is also similar to that of a dandelion.  One of the biggest differences between the two plants is the thickness of the stalk.  Perennial Sowthistle produces a tough and firm stalk while dandelion does not.  Sowthistle can grow up to 6 feet tall when it is mature.  This plant reproduces by seed.  The flowers turn from yellow to white puff balls.  This perennial produces reddish brown seeds that are attached to white tuft from the old flower.

Sowthistle Leaf

Perennial Sowthistle

Perennial Sowthistle

Sowthistle White Flower

Perennial Sowthistle

Sonchus Arvensis

Treatment

Treat this plant with a selective broadleaf herbicide when the plant is actively growing.

Similar broadleaf weeds.

  • Dandelion
  • False Dandelion
  • Prickly Lettuce
  • Spiny Sowthistle
  • Bull Thistle

Click here for other Perennial Sowthistle identification sources.