Annual Sow Thistle is also known as:

• Common Sow Thistle
• Spiny Milk Thistle
• Spiny-Leaved Sow Thistle

Habitat

• Cultivated fields
• Gardens
• Riverbanks
• Roadsides

Description
The annual sow thistle measures between 0.1 and 1.0 meters. They have a single stem branching out near the top. Stems are hallow and exude a milky juice. The flowers are small, yellow dandelion-like flower heads. Leaves are deeply lobed and basal leaves end with a large pointed segment. Seeds are 2.5 - 3.5 mm long, reddish brown and ribbed. They also have a very short tap root.

Control Practices

• Chemical control is an option
• Cultivation
• Intensive grazing by cattle and sheep can prevent seed-set
• Mowing lower than 20 cm before they go to seed can prevent regrowth