Common sow-thistle

Description:

Yellow ray flowers at top of smooth stem with clasping leaves and milky sap.

Habitat:

Disturbed areas, and can grow in limited soil. Note from picture, the seeds have taken root along the edge of concrete path used as a handicap access ramp along train platform. The seeds must have been distributed along the wall by rain as they are the only plants that have been able to take root along the path in a minute amount of soil.

Notes:

The seeds form a part of the diet of several birds and seedlings have been found to emerge from their droppings. The seeds have been recovered from irrigation water and can float in water for several days. Leaves are edible and similar to dandelions.