Sow Thistle

Description:

This herbaceous perennial plant is 2' - 4' tall, branching occasionally in the upper half. The dull green stems are hairless. The alternate leaves are up to 12" long and 3 1/2" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stems. They are lanceolate, oblanceolate, or ovate in overall shape, but usually have about 2 - 5 lobes with pointed tips on each side. The upper surface of each leaf is glabrous, while the lower mid - rib is without prickles.

Habitat:

Habitats include cropland,weedy meadows, edges of gardens, areas along roads, and miscellaneous waste areas. This species prefers disturbed areas.

Notes:

Edible, the young leaves can be eaten raw, in salads, pot herbs. Native to Eurasia.