ID Tips: Spotting the Spiny Leaf Sow Thistle

The Spiny Leaf Sow Thistle is a very common plant and is often seen growing in lawns, gardens, roadsides, and waste places. It has multiple sharp spines along the margins of the alternating leaves. The leaves can vary in shape from lance shaped to having dandelion like lobes. The plant produces multiple stems at the top that will each produce about 5 small, yellow, Dandelion like flowers. After flowering, the plant will produce a fluff where the seeds can float along the wind. Spiny Sow Thistle can grow from around 2 to 4 feet in height and you will often find multiple growing in one area.

This plant is considered an invasive weed in many areas and can be difficult to control. It is important to remove this plant as soon as it is noticed in order to prevent it from spreading. Hand pulling or digging up the plant is the best way to remove it. If the plant has already gone to seed, then the seedlings should be removed as soon as possible. For larger infestations, chemical herbicides may be necessary to control the spread of the plant.

The Spiny Leaf Sow Thistle is a very common plant that can be found in many areas. It is important to remove this plant as soon as it is noticed in order to prevent it from spreading. Hand pulling or digging up the plant is the best way to remove it and for larger infestations, chemical herbicides may be necessary to control the spread of the plant. With proper care and attention, this invasive weed can be kept under control and prevented from taking over your garden or lawn.