Sonchus oleraceus, commonly known as common sowthistle, is an annual herb native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia. It has adapted to a wide range of habitats, including disturbed soils in agricultural and urban areas, roadsides, and waste places. The plant typically grows to a height of 12 to 39 inches with a hollow, upright stem and a rosette of leaves at the base. The leaves are lobed, and the upper ones clasp the stem. Common sowthistle blooms from spring to early fall, producing yellow, dandelion-like flowers that are attractive to bees and flies. The flowers give way to fluffy seed heads that disperse seeds through wind and water.

Common sowthistle is known for its rapid growth and ability to colonize disturbed sites quickly. Its leaves are edible and can be used in salads or cooked like spinach, with younger leaves being less bitter and more palatable raw. In cultivation, it prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and is not particular about soil type, though it thrives in moist, well-drained soils. It is often grown in vegetable gardens and used in Chinese cuisine as kŭcài (bitter vegetable). However, gardeners should be aware of its invasive potential, as it can spread aggressively outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0