HerbWildAnnualMedicinal

Sonchus arvensis L.

Daimi dodhak

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Description

Sonchus arvensis is a perennial herb, usually 50–150 cm tall, arising from creeping rhizomes and containing abundant white milky latex. Stems are erect, hollow, and branched near the top. Leaves are alternate, lanceolate to pinnatifid, with spiny toothed margins and clasping auriculate bases. Flower heads are large, bright yellow, and arranged in loose terminal clusters. All florets are ligulate. Fruits are brown ribbed achenes with a white pappus of numerous fine bristles.

Diagnostic Characters

Vegetative

Perennial herb with creeping rhizomes, milky latex, and clasping spiny leaves.

Floral

Large bright yellow flower heads in loose terminal clusters.

Fruit & Seed

Ribbed achenes with a conspicuous white pappus.

Distribution

Native range: Europe and temperate Asia.

Introduced range: Widely naturalized worldwide.

In Pakistan: Common in northern Pakistan, particularly in cultivated fields and moist habitats.

Phenology

Flowering

Fruiting

Flowering: April–September Fruiting: May–October

Ethnobotany & Uses

Uses

Young leaves are sometimes eaten as a cooked vegetable. Traditionally used as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and digestive remedy. Considered a troublesome perennial weed because of its spreading rhizomes.

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Where it grows on campus

This species is on the campus floristic list but was not pinned during the GPS mapping survey, so it has no map records yet.

Taxonomic Notes

Sonchus arvensis, commonly known as Perennial Sow Thistle, differs from other Pakistani species of Sonchus by its perennial habit, creeping rhizomes, and relatively large flower heads. It is accepted by Flora of Pakistan, POWO, and WFO.