Sonchus Asper

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Weed, Wildflower

Annual

The upper stems terminate in clusters of 1 to 5 composite flowers on rather short stalks. Each flower is about 2/3 inch across when fully open, consisting of numerous yellow ray florets. The base of each flower is covered with dull green bracts and is it rather short. The blooming period can occur from late spring to early fall, and usually lasts about a month for a colony of plants.

Each floret is replaced by an achene with a tuft of silky white hairs. The achenes are flat, spindle-shaped, hairless, and have several longitudinal ribs. They are distributed by the wind. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.