BES-TEX Weed ID Guide · Broadleaf Weeds
Sonchus oleraceus
Common Name
Annual Sowthistle
Latin Name
Sonchus oleraceus
Family
Asteraceae
Life Cycle / Type
Annual (primarily winter annual in our area) · Broadleaf
Annual sowthistle is a soft-stemmed annual broadleaf weed with deeply lobed leaves and yellow, dandelion-like flowers. Leaves clasp the stem and exude a milky sap when broken. It commonly appears in thin turf, disturbed soil, and high-nitrogen areas.
Annual sowthistle germinates during cooler soil conditions.
Below 55°F
Primary germination
Cool winter soils
Continued emergence
Decision Question
Missed fall pre-emergent timing
Bare or disturbed soil
Thin or stressed turf
A healthy, thick lawn is the best defense against weeds.