Wild Orchids
in the Algarve
Signed copies...

Sonchus oleraceus - Smooth Sow-thistle

There are many yellow members of the daisy family with flowers similar to those of the dandelion. The sow-thistles are easily distinguished by their spiny leaves.

The prickly sow-thistle, Sonchus asper, is similar but its leaves are generally greener and with sharper spines.

Smooth (or common) sow-thistle flowers first appear in May, but you may see this wildflower of wasteland and other disturbed ground blooming as late as November.