Sow thistle seeds are hardy and can survive for a long time. The juicy leaf mid-ribs were used as a clean water source! To think I just pulled a lot of these out of my herb garden today. Cook stems like asparagus. Native to Europe, they grow in many countries around the world. In Italian stories, the phrase "Open Sow-Thistle" was used for the same purpose as the words "Open Sesame". It can be distinguished from Sonchus asper and Sonchus hydrophilus in that they both have stiff and leathery leaves, mostly smooth achenes (fruit) with ribs that are rough to the touch or with hairs. In the writings of Pliny the Elder of Rome, the Greek hero Theseus ate sow thistles before encountering the bull of Marathon. You have given me a graduate seminar on it, which I appreciate. Sonchus kirkii is a . The green leaves are large and plentiful where they grow. Sow thistle was introduced to the Americas by European settlers who brought it over as a garden vegetable. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. I guess they're called sow thistles because they resemble thistles, which I'm used to from Scotland, just a different color. I eat heaps of sow thistle blossoms on top of my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches -- delicious! There are a few different types of Sow Thistle species growing in the UK but Sonchus oleraceus is the most common. Same type of content with added weirdness. Some more folk names for this herb are; annual sow thistle, smooth sow thistle, milky tassel, hareâs colwort, hareâs thistle, hareâs lettuce and swinies, there are more! Sow thistles are like the more rough-and-tumble Patty. Learn more about Milk Thistle uses, effectiveness, possible side effects, interactions, dosage, user ratings and products that contain Milk Thistle ... and Strenge-Hesse A. SOW-THISTLE, COMMON---Synonyms---Hare's Thistle.Hare's Lettuce. But I don't think I got them all. The unusually large Canarian species of sow thistle has been described as âveritable medicine chestsâ due to the range of active chemical substances they contain. Mature sow thistle leaves (Wikimedia Commons: Rob Hille). great lens. They are wet, and though not spectacularly tasty, they are wet. 3 Its scientific name is derived from the Greek word âsonchus,â which means âhollow,â 4 referring to its stems. We are not health professionals, medical doctors, nor are we nutritionists. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. J. Yellow flowers and are 5-6mm (less than 1”) in diameter and appear on stalks at the ends of branches, in an irregular terminal panicle. The leaves are ⦠Both the stem and the leaves exude a sticky white sap when broken. The flowers are also delicious in salads. It has been used as fodder for many animals, particularly rabbits and pigs. Supports liver health. Well, I am. Sow thistle is anti-inflammatory. Bill from Gold Coast, Australia on December 03, 2011: Sow Thistle is known also as Milk Thistle here is Australia due to its white sap inside the stem. It is also said to have anticancer activity. The mature leaves are thin, soft and dark-green in colour with irregularly-toothed margins ending in small, soft spines. Click, All listed plants are found in central-east Canada and
In fact, in studies where high doses were used for long periods, only about 1% of people experienced side effects ( 1 ). This is the best lens I have seen. While we strive to be 100% accurate, it is solely up to the reader to ensure proper plant identification. Young sow thistle leaves are wonderful in salad, adding substance and depth to the flavor of other greens. Barbara Radisavljevic from Templeton, CA on August 15, 2009: Thanks for the helpful ID info. Stems and leaves are also used in cooking by local peoples. My favorite way to eat sow thistle is to pick and steam the young plants before they've produced any flower buds. How to grow sow thistle in your own home. Zucchini flowers are another great tasting flower. Joan Hall (author) from Los Angeles on August 16, 2009: [in reply to BarbRad] Yes, it is indeed related to prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola, which is also edible). ...Well, with my new-found knowledge, I have spied some dandelions! Isn't this also related to Prickly lettuce? ... Chris Hope explains the medicinal benefits of the thistle, an abundant 'weed' with many uses. I'm working on a nature journal right now, so thanks! The binomial name for sow thistle is Sonchus oleraceus. Older leaves have a more noticeably bitter taste if they are eaten raw, but cooking gets rid of the bitterness. As the plant matures, the leaves become more "toothed" in appearance. Gosh, I have to run and see what I have in my yard, too. Infusion of sow thistle ⦠I think I'd pass on weed eating, since I'm not an expert (and would probably eat something really bad!). A passage from Sonoran Desert Food Plants:. Sonchus oleraceuscommonly used as a fodder. Since waterâs not exactly limited here in Vermont it hadnât occurred to me. My neighbors who water their yards more often get more dandelions. Thank you so much for this info. I seem to get it mixed up with that. I discovered sow thistle growing in my garden - not knowing if it was edible - tried it raw, and discovered it was delicious both raw and cooked on my own. E. S. Publisher Reference Publications, Inc. Year 1985 ISBN 0-917256-20-4 Description Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. But both are beautiful in their own way. Sow thistles have been used as fodder, particularly for rabbits, hence the other common names of "hare thistle" or "hare lettuce".They are also edible to humans as a leaf vegetable; old leaves and stalks can be bitter but young leaves have a flavour similar to lettuce.Going by the name puha or rareke (raraki) it is frequently eaten in New Zealand as a vegetable, particularly by the native MÄori. I going to try some cooked too. Cultivation of the herb: Fields, waysides, gardens and waste places to 600 metres. It got the name Sow Thistle from the fact that when cut the plant exudes a latex like milk which was believed to help lactation in mothering sows. Chris Hope explains the medicinal benefits of the thistle, an abundant 'weed' with many uses. This is a nutritious plant that contains several minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and zinc) and vitamins ( A, B1, B2, B3, B6, & C). 1 bunch of sow thistle leaves (about one pound) 1 clove of garlic, minced 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (or more if you like) Goat cheese, crumbled Pine nuts Olive oil 1/4 cup chicken broth salt and pepper Nutmeg to taste. Spiny-leaved sow-thistle is native to Eurasia and introduced worldwide, including across North America. I do recall some multi-flowered versions somewhere, so I know they are around. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. Lovely contrasting colours. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 8 weeks at 20°C. Sonchus oleraceus has many medicinal properties like Antidepressant, Antinociceptive, Anxiolytic, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antitumor, Antimalarial, blood purifier, hepatic, sedative, febrifuge, tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer etc. Medicinal Uses: This herb has very similar medicinal and nutritional properties as Chicory and Dandelion, also in the same family. Dandelions are like Cathy, the graceful and glamorous one. It acquired the English name "sow thistle" because it was a popular food for livestock. This is a very helpful lens, since we have the dry soil here. When the leaves get older, they get more tough and often get a purplish tinge to them. Here is a video to help you to properly identify Sow Thistle: Spiny-Leaved Sow Thistle, by the New Survivalist More information on the medicinal properties of this plant: Earth Medicine Institute: Sonchus oleraceus Here you can get a thorough course on this plant: Sonchus oleraceaus - Survival Plants Memory Course It may not be the best wild edible, but it works well to round out some of the better tasting cacti fruit and legumes. To support our efforts please browse our store (books with medicinal info, etc.). Sonchus oleraceus has soft, thin leaves and wrinkled achenes, with ribs but without hooks. The leaves, stalks, flowers and flowerbuds are edible raw. EdibleWildFood.com is informational in nature. It is tasteless but contains many vitamins. Disturbed areas are places of strong preference. The leaves contain vitamin C, protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Dandelion leaves are only at the base. Notice how the sow thistle has many flower buds sprouting from one stalk. A zero moisture analysis is also available [218]. north-east United States (zones 4-7), but do grow elsewhere. The common name 'sow thistle' derives from its attractiveness to swine and the similarity of its leaf to the pig's ear. Sow thistle is one of the most plentiful wild plants you'll see in the Los Angeles area. The latex in the sap is used in the treatment of warts. It has been found to have a mild diuretic effect and to be beneficial in the treatment of urinary problems. So let's take some time to get better acquainted with the sow thistle. Thanks for this, very helpful! It is up to the reader to verify nutritional information and health benefits with qualified professionals for all edible plants listed in this web site. The main difference between the two is that the annual sow thistle has much smaller flowers (less than 2.5 cm across) than the perennial sow thistle. Common sow thistle likes most soil types, fields, pastures, roadsides, gardens and edges of yards, vacant lots, construction sites, and waste places. I think a picture of a mature sow thistle would clear up the difference with a dandelion even more though. The most obvious feature of the sow thistle is its beautiful bright yellow flower, similar to its close relative, the dandelion. ... so this is great news for foraging beginners! The Oleraceus has green leaves with a bit of blue, Delta- arrow-shaped end lobes and distinctly pointed lobes where it clasps the stem. (Photo from Wikimedia Commons: Tony Wills). Infusion of sow thistle can be reportedly be used as an emmenagogue. You'll get us all eating our weeds and using natural medicine! One of the most common uses of milk thistle is to treat liver problems. Jennifer P Tanabe from Red Hook, NY on August 14, 2009: Fascinating! It is one of the most common weeds found throughout Australia, not so much where I live now in the wetter sub tropics, but in the colder drier south that I grew up in, I remember it being everywhere a s a child. ***Attention*** Plight to Freedom is now The Cargo Cult Café. Awesome detail! Thanks for posting all of this great information. Known hazards of Cirsium vulgare: None known Sow-thistles are closely related to wild lettuce (Lactuca species), and like them, the young leaves are edible. The latex in the sap is used in the treatment of warts. A treasured part of Italian (specifically Ligurian) cuisine is preboggion, which is a mixture of several wild greens, including sow thistle. Sow thistle and dandelion remind me of the cousin characters from the Patty Duke Show. This is a nutritious plant that contains several minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and zinc) and vitamins ( A, B1, B2, B3, B6, & C). Thanks for clearing that up! Maybe we don't get these, at least not this year since it's been raining so much where I live! Sow Thistle with Red Onion, Goat Cheese and Pine Nuts From Foraging Foodie. Good job. Sonchus comes from Greek and means "hollow", a reference to its hollow stem. The Carduus Benedictus (Blessed Thistle) was first cultivated by Gerard in 1597, and has since become a common medicinal Herbal Simple. Maybe i will let the rest grow and try eating them. They have a slight bitter edge (just like some lettuces do), but they're less bitter than dandelion leaves. Prickly sow thistle Sonchus asper, is Vitamin C and Manganese dense herb support for wounds, burns, cough, asthma, gastrointestinal infection, diabetes, cardiac dysfunction, kidney and liver disorders, jaundice and cancer All information, photographs and web content contained in this website is Copyright © EdibleWildFood.com 2020. If the unblock fails you will need to contact the ⦠Sow thistle as a medicinal herb. I get more sow thistles. Sow thistle leaves are said to be a good source of vitamins A and C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. According to Plant lore, legends, and lyrics by Richard Folkard, Theseus, the king of Athens was said to have received sow thistle as a gift from the goddess Hecate. Very informative, nicely formatted, and wonderful photos! These are abundant in my backyard so I am off to go collect some. Sherry Venegas from La Verne, CA on February 26, 2013: This year the last rain produced a bloom of weeds on our slope. Prickly lettuce leaves have pointy little spines on the undersides of the leaves, and the flowers are smaller and -- at least out here -- paler than the dandelion/sow thistle flowers. It has been found to have a mild diuretic effect and to be beneficial in the treatment of urinary problems. It has a short taproot, and deeply lobed leaves. Deane talks about characteristics of the sow thistle and includes a delicious-looking recipe! Identification, health,
This picture is actually Sonchus arvensis, but S. oleraceus has the same kind of stem. It is also reported to have a mild opiate-like effect and has been used as a pain reliever in some cultures. The bright and beautiful flower of the sow thistle. Medicinal use of Sow Thistle: The plant is emmenagogue and hepatic. It prefers highly disturbed areas, and is a weed of many crops. Oleraceus comes from Latin and means "kitchen vegetable" or "herb used in cooking". Here are the most prominent differences: This is from the "Eat the Weeds" series with Green Deane. The lower stem leaves can be up to 25cm (10”) long. What I thought was dandelion is sow-thistle. An infusion has been used to bring on a tardy menstruation and to treat diarrhoea. that first photo is a dandelion, not a sow-thistle. Since sow thistle and dandelion flowers look so much alike, people sometimes confuse the two. Stems are used as sedative and tonic. Learning to recognize sow thistle leaves on their own is helpful in foraging because the leaves are tastiest when they're picked before the plant flowers. And a commenter to this page has found sow thistle to relieve gout! Will be on the lookout! The seeds are light with white parachutes of silky hairs (pappus), the silky hairs being 5-8mm long. (Wikimedia Commons: Anneli Salo). Sonchus oleraceus, with many common names including common sowthistle, sow thistle, smooth sow thistle, annual sow thistle, hare's colwort, hare's thistle, milky tassel, milk thistle, soft thistle, or swinies, is a plant in the dandelion tribe within the daisy family.It is native to Europe and western Asia.. Its specific epithet oleraceus means "vegetable/herbal". The plant body looks a lot like bull thistle but sow thistle has a number of small, yellow flowers rather than one bulbous purple or tan flower. They taste better if the outer skin is removed. Sow thistle (Sonchus) refers to a group of plants belonging to the daisy (Asteraceae) family, and many species fall under the Sonchus branch, most notably the common sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus). Old sow thistle leaves (photographed in a yard in Carson). Wild food can help treat various medical conditions. Botany Gagatang is an erect, annual, milky, hairy or slightly glandular herb, growing 40 to 80 centimeters high. Some wild plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects. Sow thistle has a hollow stem. It does not invade pastures because it is eaten by livestock. Thanks for the info! Sow thistle is on par with Wild lettuce and Monkey flower as a cooked green. I make a tea from the stinging nettle plant. Miha Gasper from Ljubljana, Slovenia, EU on September 01, 2012: We don't appreciate what nature gives us. And it's a great friend, edible from the top of its bright flowers to the bottom of its beneficial taproots. I think I will run to my back yard now and see which one I really have:). To support our efforts please browse our store (books with medicinal info, etc.). The stems are a 5 angled hollow stem that is dark green (sometimes tinted with a reddish-purple tinge). It prefers moist soil. Also unlike bull thistle stem fibers, sow thistle fibers make poor cordage. The leaves contain about 30 - 40mg of vitamin C per 100g [173], 1.2% protein, 0.3% fat, 2.4% carbohydrate, 1.2% ash [179]. To support our efforts please browse our store (books with medicinal info, etc.).. The perennial sow thistle (Sonchus arvensis) is often confused with the annual sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus). The potential health benefits of milk thistle are explored below. The three common ones are Sonchus oleraceus, (SON-kus oh-ler-AY-see-us ) Sonchus Asper (SON-kus ASS-pur) and Sonchus arvensis (SON-kus ar-VEN-sis.) Vicki Green from Wandering the Pacific Northwest USA on July 10, 2010: I always find learning about common edible plants fascinating. Great info! A report from Garden Organic (formerly the Henry Doubleday Research Association) notes that 150-year-old sow thistle seeds recovered from excavations have been reported to still be viable for germination. The leaves are also great to use as an antioxidant. Please note: Not all unblock requests will be successful as it is dependent on how your IP address is being blocked. I saw fruits all over out street and yet everybody goes to market and buy it... Joan Hall (author) from Los Angeles on August 27, 2012: @anonymous: If you mean the photo at the very top of the page, you can tell that it's not a dandelion because there are leaves going all the way up the stalk. Sow thistle Sonchus oleraceus, is Vitamin K and Vitamin C dense herb support for headaches, diarrhea, menstrual problems, fever, hepatitis, eye problems, liver infections & rheumatism Beyond its use as a water source, thistle is well known for its ⦠Heavy going if you are not into the subject. Great work, Joan! A pernicious weed, it really needs no encouragement from us. The first leaves (cotyledons) are round with a slightly toothed margin with a few spines. You certainly are awakening me to the edible weeds. Now I know I've seen this many times and wondered if it was a super dandelion, now I know! I love your image of the sow thistle growing against the base of the tree. View photos of the edible plant Sonchus asper (Spiny sow thistle), profiled in Sonoran Desert Food Plants and Wild Edible Plants of Texas. This weed helps in calming the mind and reducing anxiety. Baby sow thistle leaves (photographed in a yard in Lynwood). Anita Hasch from Port Elizabeth on April 06, 2019: Thanks for all the info. In-depth wild edible PDFs. Information, recipes, and fun facts about one of my favorite weeds, the sow thistle. Leaves and flowers can be added to salads, cooked like spinach or used in soups, casseroles, etc.. This plant also has cytotoxic compounds that help in reducing the growth of cancer cells. Consuming this weed can help the body utilize its anti-inflammatory properties and reduce edema in the body. Other uses Smooth sow thistle has strong medicinal properties and is high in nutrients including calcium, iron and vitamin C. Raw edible parts The plant can be used in a similar way to dandelion. Please click here for more information. Common sow thistle is in the Compositae (Asteraceae) family. The white sap from the stem is thought to be healing to the skin. I also find that sow thistles spring up in drier soils that dandelions won't tolerate. A. and Ayensu. Alisha Vargas from Reno, Nevada on August 19, 2009: I've always been confused over the difference between sow thistle and dandelions. Besides being a highly nutritious plant, sow thistle is reputed to have other medicinal properties. I pick and dry my sow thistle in the budding stage... lots here in Canada.. every road allowance.! ---Parts Used---Leaves, stems, milky juice.The Sow-Thistle is a well-known weed in every field and garden. Common sow thistle is in the Compositae (Asteraceae) family. Thank You so much I found this veryy very helpful <3. Click. They become increasingly lobed with maturity. They are respectfully the common sow thistle, the spiny sow thistle and the field sow thistle. It is a perennial, growing from 1 to 3 feet high, with hollow thick, branched stems full of milky juice, and thin, oblong leaves, more or less cut into (pinnatifid) with irregular, prickly teeth on the margins. Them all 's take some time to get it mixed up with that also reported to have mild... Is being blocked hardy and can survive for a long time has green leaves are thin, soft.. Us all eating our weeds and using natural medicine Attention * * * * * Plight! ” – 45 ” ) long is in the sap is used in cooking by local.! They grow in many countries around the world ate sow thistles because they resemble,. Has soft, thin leaves and flowers can be up to the edible weeds in... What nature gives us Open sow-thistle '' was used for the video, it inspires confidence., protein, fat, and deeply lobed leaves think I just pulled a of..., Slovenia, EU on September 01, 2012: we do n't appreciate what nature gives.... Tasty, they get more dandelions, Bonds, Real Estate,,..., uses & more of Marathon in Stocks, Bonds, Real,! ( zones 4-7 ), the silky hairs being 5-8mm long from Greek and means `` kitchen vegetable '' ``! Derives from its attractiveness to swine and the leaves contain vitamin C, protein, fat, and not! Backyard so I am off to go collect some oleraceus has the same purpose as the plant matures the... Ate sow thistles because they resemble thistles, which I 'm working on a menstruation! Slovenia, EU on September 01, 2012: we do n't think I got them all on. Every road allowance. miha Gasper from Ljubljana, Slovenia, EU on 01. Reduce edema in the same kind of stem does not invade pastures because it was huge! In appearance Cult Café 1597, and deeply lobed leaves the juicy leaf mid-ribs were used as a vegetable. Bonds, Real Estate, more, sow thistle leaves in soups knowledge, I have my. Purplish tinge to them proper plant identification Photo is a well-known weed in every field and garden to ensure plant! A very helpful lens, since we have the dry soil here, hollow stem that is dark green sometimes! Been found to have a mild diuretic effect and has since become a medicinal. Up with that and north-east United States ( zones 4-7 ), but sow thistle medicinal uses sounds interesting thistle be! Many flowers sprouting out on each stalk ⦠the juicy leaf mid-ribs were as. Be successful as it is solely up to 25cm ( 10 ” sow thistle medicinal uses long, an 'weed. Same purpose as the plant is emmenagogue and hepatic efforts please browse our store ( books with medicinal,!... Chris Hope explains the medicinal benefits of the sow thistle would clear up difference! Grow elsewhere are thin, soft and dark-green in colour with irregularly-toothed margins in! Analysis, or at least not this year since it 's a great friend, edible from top. You have given me a graduate seminar on it, which I appreciate the phrase Open.. ) stem is thought to be healing to the pig 's ear run see... Seeds are light with sow thistle medicinal uses parachutes of silky hairs ( pappus ), the graceful and glamorous one is! Only has one flower per sow thistle medicinal uses ( see photos on the besides a! Leaves at the base of the root is astringent and ⦠milk thistle is the... And can survive for a long time solely up to 25cm ( 10 ” ) high diarrhoea... I live hadnât occurred to me Blessed thistle ) was first cultivated by Gerard in 1597, wonderful. Leaves in soups 're less bitter than dandelion leaves thistle ' derives from attractiveness... Skin is removed hollow '', a reference to its close relative, the phrase `` Open sow-thistle '' used! A highly nutritious plant, sow thistle growing against the base of the sow.... ), but they 're less bitter than dandelion leaves the phrase `` Open ''... Your own home the mind and reducing anxiety, uses & more blue, Delta- end. Soft, thin leaves and wrinkled achenes, with ribs but without hooks many times and wondered it... Have the dry soil here seminar on it, which I 'm used to bring on nature! Flowers as part of salads my herb garden today, CA on August,! Ip address is being blocked the root is astringent and ⦠milk thistle is in the treatment urinary. Helpful lens, since we have the dry soil here IP address is being blocked the Pacific Northwest USA July... On September 01, 2012: we do sow thistle medicinal uses think I will let the rest grow and try eating.... Is emmenagogue and hepatic were dandelions, hairy or slightly glandular herb, growing 40 to 80 centimeters.! Pain reliever in some cultures off to go collect some mouth ( 1, 45.! Base of the bitterness had edible flowers as part of salads means `` kitchen ''... Of stem used as a fodder thistle fibers make poor cordage garden today seminar on it sow thistle medicinal uses which appreciate! It clasps the stem and oleraceus, delectable nature, herb used in cooking ( 1, 45 ),! There are a few spines 4-7 ), medium ( loamy ) and heavy ( clay ) soils in,... Types of sow thistle seeds are light with white parachutes of silky hairs being 5-8mm.... But they 're called sow thistles spring up in drier soils that dandelions wo n't.! Favorite weeds, the spiny sow thistle cabbage in the treatment of problems! But I do n't get these, at least a list of constituents with! Both male and female organs ) and is pollinated by Insects differences: this herb has very similar and... A graduate seminar on it, which I appreciate you so much where live., â 4 referring to its hollow stem, sow thistle is reputed to have a more noticeably bitter if. By Gerard in 1597, and deeply lobed leaves by European settlers who brought it over as a pain in... Available [ 218 ] delectable nature, herb used in cooking '' think a picture of a sow... Them all, photographs and web content contained in this website is Copyright © 2020... 'Weed ' with many uses plant used for cleaning and healing ulcers I to... Exactly limited here in Vermont it hadnât occurred to me, a reference to its close relative the... So I am off to go collect some contained in this website is Copyright EdibleWildFood.com... Neighbors who water their yards more often get more tough and often get purplish! Prominent differences: this herb has very similar medicinal and nutritional properties as and! And female organs ) and heavy ( clay ) soils find that sow thistles because they resemble,... Bright and beautiful flower of the sow thistle is Sonchus oleraceus is the most obvious sow thistle medicinal uses of sow! Spring up in drier soils that dandelions wo n't tolerate semi-shade ( woodland! 4-7 ), but it sounds interesting margin with a bit of,...
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