Sow Thistle (Sonchus oleraceus)

This humble ‘weed’ grows wild almost everywhere and is often referred to as ‘milk thistle’, due to the white latex that appears when the plant is broken. However, the true ‘milk thistle’ is the medicinal plant Silybum marianum (St. Mary’s Thistle).

The leaves are rich in iron and calcium and possess a bitter taste. Leaves and yellow petals can be included in salads or cooked wilted, similar to spinach.

Sow thistles medicinal actions include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic (anti-fever).

References:

Grubb, A. Raser-Rowland, A. (2019). The Weed Forager’s Handbook. Melbourne: Hyland House Publishing.