Broadleaf Weeds - Range & Pasture - Annual Sowthistle
BES-TEX Weed ID Guide · Broadleaf Weeds
Annual Sowthistle
Sonchus oleraceus
Annual (primarily winter annual in our area) Broadleaf
Common Name
Annual Sowthistle
Latin Name
Sonchus oleraceus
Family
Asteraceae
Life Cycle / Type
Annual (primarily winter annual in our area) · Broadleaf
What Is It?
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.
Soil Temperature & Germination
Annual sowthistle germinates during cooler soil conditions.
Below 55°F
Primary germination
Cool winter soils
Continued emergence
Decision Question
Is the weed visible above the soil right now?
Why This Weed Comes Back
Missed fall pre-emergent timing
Bare or disturbed soil
Thin or stressed turf
Learn the Basics
A healthy, thick lawn is the best defense against weeds.
