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Is this plant a weed?

Perennial Sowthistle, Sonchus arvensis L.

Found in:

  • Prairie and landscape plantings

Characteristics:

  • Perennial that reaches a height of 3-7’
  • Upright stems are smooth, with or without hair, and contain a milky sap (latex)
  • Leaves along the stem are 4-8” long, irregularly toothed, lobed, and have spiny edges
  • Flower heads are bright yellow, produced in clusters and occur June through Aug
  • Roots grow deep into the soil along with vigorous spreading rhizomes (underground stems)

Significance:

Plants that look similar:

More information and control options for Perennial Sowthistle...

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