Annual Sow Thistle
Sonchus oleraceus
At a glance
Name
Scientific Name
AKA
Frequency
Habitat
Parts Used
Summary
Annual Sow Thistle is a very common and easy to identify wild edible. With its dandelion-like flowers and hollow stems this is a good beginner plant. It tastes a little like lettuce and can be found year-round.
Edibililty & Uses
While edible, the plant produces a white latex that can be mildly toxic to lambs and horses. The roots are also reported to have abortifacient properties.
Parts Used
• Leaves: Use raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable.
• Stems: Can be cooked like vegetables; milking the stem before use is recommended to remove the latex.
• Flowers: Use as garnishes or in salads.
When to forage?
Annual Sow Thistle can be found from January right through to December, unless the winter is particularly cold.
Where to forage?
Very common throughout the UK, happily thriving in urban and rural areas alike.