Smooth sowthistle
Sonchus oleraceus
- Layer 4 · Herbaceous
- Edible companion
Status by region
No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.
Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).
Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.
About
Native to Eurasia, it is an extremely common, self-seeding annual herb that is easy to grow. Its tender leaves provide nutritious food from autumn to spring without needing much care. It acts as a mineral accumulator and an effective self-sown ground cover in the herbaceous layer.
See which trees the smooth sowthistle grows well with
We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.
No account needed.
Needs
- Water: Medium
- Light: Full sun
- Size: Annual herb up to 1.0 m
- Mature diameter: 0.3 m
- Soils: Clay, Loam, Sandy, Limestone
- Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Hot, dry Mediterranean
Calendar
- January — Harvest
- February — Harvest
- March — Harvest — Planting
- April — Harvest — Planting
- May — Harvest
- June
- July
- August
- September — Planting
- October — Harvest — Planting
- November — Harvest
- December — Harvest
- Harvest
- Planting
Medicinal use: The young leaves are eaten raw in salads or cooked, being rich in minerals and having tonic properties.
Where to buy
Related plants
Other species in the same layer or with the same function.
See which trees the smooth sowthistle grows well with
We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.
No account needed.
Not ready to map your land yet?
Get the free mini-guide to starting an edible forest.