Sow thistle with scientific name sonchus oleraceus, is a species of flowering plant native to Europe and western Asia.
It is a member of the dandelion tribe Cichorieae of the daisy family Asteraceae.
It has many common names, including common sowthistle, smooth sow thistle, annual sow thistle, hare's colwort, hare's thistle, milky tassel, milk thistle, etc.
The flowers are hermaphrodite and pollination is aided by bees and flies.
The leaves can be eaten as a fresh vegetable or cooked like spinach.
The young roots are also edible and can be used as a coffee substitute.
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