sow thistle

plant
Also known as: Sonchus

Learn about this topic in these articles:

range

  • Globe thistle (Echinops)
    In thistle

    …more than 10 species of sow thistle (Sonchus) are widespread throughout Europe. Some species of globe thistle (Echinops) are cultivated as ornamentals. The thistle is the national emblem of Scotland.

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weeds

  • weeding
    In weed

    …prickly lettuce (Lactuca scariola) and sow thistle (Sonchus species) that serve as hosts for downy mildew; wild mustards (Brassica species) that host clubroot of cabbage; and saltbrush (Atriplex species) and Russian thistle, in which curly top virus overwinters, to be carried to sugar beets by

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Liatris, genus of perennial herbs of the family Asteraceae, containing approximately 40 species, native to North America. They have tall spikelike clusters of purple or pinkish purple flower heads that are surrounded by many scaly bracts (leaflike structures). Their long thin leaves alternate along the stem and frequently bear resinous dots. Some species of Liatris are cultivated as border plants or in wildflower gardens. Some are known variously as button snakeroot, gay feather, and blazing star.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.