Sonchus tenerrimus, commonly known as slender sowthistle, is an annual herb native to the Mediterranean basin, including southern Europe, northern Africa, and parts of the Middle East. It thrives in a variety of habitats including coastal areas, disturbed sites, and agricultural land, often where soil is rich in nitrogen. In its native range, it is adapted to the Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. This plant typically grows to a height of 30-110 cm and has a slender, erect stem with sparse foliage. The leaves are elongated with deeply lobed margins, and the plant produces small yellow flowers in loose clusters that bloom from spring to early summer. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they can add a subtle charm to wildflower gardens.

Slender sowthistle is valued for its rapid growth and adaptability to various soil types. It is sometimes used in wildflower mixes for quick cover and can be found in pollinator gardens due to its attractiveness to bees and other insects. Cultivation requires minimal care, as the plant is drought-tolerant and can grow in poor soils, though it prefers well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade. It is not commonly grown in formal garden settings due to its invasive nature in some regions. Gardeners should be cautious as it can spread aggressively through seed dispersal.CC BY-SA 4.0