Sowthistle

(Sonchus spp.)

Herbicides | Description

Habit

Sonchus asper habit [Top]

Rosette

Sonchus asper rosette [Top]

Stem

Sonchus asper stem [Top]

Leaf

Sonchus asper leaf [Top]

Leaf margin

Sonchus asper leaf margin [Top]

Inflorescence

Sonchus asper inflorescence [Top]

Flower head

Sonchus asper flower head with fruits [Top]

Herbicide Effectiveness [top]

Key to Rankings

Barricade/Regalkade

P-F

Broadstar

G

Gallery

F

OH2

G

Pennant Magnum

P-F

Pendulum

P

Regal OO

G

Ronstar

P-F

Rout

G

Showcase

F-G

Snapshot TG

F-G

Surflan

F

Treflan

P

Description [top]

Several species of sowthistle (Asteraceae) are common in nurseries and landscapes. The species can overlap the winter and summer annual categories. Seeds germinate in the fall or spring. Seedlings form a rosette of waxy leaves with variable leaf margins. One of the most common species, spiny sowthistle, has prickly leaf margins. In contrast to wild lettuce, sowthistle lacks prickles on the mid-vein of the leaves. In warm weather plants bolt to about 3 to 4 feet tall, but may be shorter. Flowers are bright yellow. Seedhead is similar to dandelion, but smaller. Seeds have a pappus that aids wind and water dispersal. Do not let plants go to seed in the nursery. Well controlled by preemergence broadleaf herbicides available for nursery use. [TOP]