#Sowthistle

[najia-cooks]

苦菜 / Kucai (Chinese sowthistle stir-fry)

Common sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus) is a hardy flowering plant in the family Asteraceae (alongside, for example, daisies, sunflowers, and dandelions). It is native to Europe and West Asia, but appears throughout the Americas, East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. It is a common weed in recently disturbed soil, and sometimes pops up among and competes with cultivated crops.

Sowthistle is eaten as a bitter green in Chinese cuisine. The word "苦菜" (Mandarin Pinyin: kǔcài), from "苦" "kǔ" "bitter" + "菜" "cài" "vegetable" or "greens," is often used to refer to sowthistle—though it may also designate other bitter greens, including garlic chives.

This recipe prepares sowthistle as Chinese bitter greens are generally prepared: blanched in salted water, then fried with ginger and garlic. The sweetness and pungency of the aromatics round out the earthy bitterness of the sowthistle, making a dish that's excellent as a side with soup or rice. Here, I used it to top a fried tofu sandwich with a soy-sesame-ginger sauce.

Recipe under the cut!

Patreon | Paypal | Venmo

Identifying common sowthistle

Young plants grow from a rosette of waxy leaves with deep triangular lobes. Leaves growing from the stem are alternate (one leaf per node), simple (not divided into leaflets) and pinnatifid (divided, but the divisions do not go all the way to the midrib). Leaves have hairless midribs and clasp the stem at their base.

Stem is hairless and mostly unbranched, except near the apex. Stems terminate in clusters of flowers which are yellow when in bloom. Mature leaves and stems produce a white, milky latex when broken; not toxic, though quite bitter.

Young leaves, top two; mature plants, last three

If the leaf margins are covered in sharp spikes, you may be looking at spiny sowthistle. This plant is also edible, though it may not be worth the trouble to remove the spines to eat the mature leaves. Younger leaves, which generally form towards the center of the rosette, have softer spines and are edible without processing.

Young prickly sowthistle, left; mature prickly sowthistle, right

Common sowthistle may also be confused with common groundsel. Groundsel exudes a clear, not a milky, sap when broken, and its leaves are more deeply lobed. It is more densely branched and its leaves are waxier. Common groundsel is toxic and should not be consumed in large quantities.

Common groundsel

Ingredients:

Large bunch common sowthistle leaves (Sonchus oleraceus), preferably young

1/2-inch chunk (5g), scrubbed and thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced

Neutral oil, to fry

Toasted sesame oil, to top

Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash leaves thoroughly in a bowl filled with water. Pull leaves out to allow dirt to sink to the bottom. Repeat.

2. Boil leaves in salted water for about 10 minutes, until tender.

3. If desired, soak in cool water for 1-3 hours to remove some of the leaves' bitterness.

4. Heat oil in a wok or frying pan on medium-high. Fry ginger and garlic for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add leaves and fry a minute or two.

5. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil. Taste and adjust salt. Add a dash of mirin or rice vinegar to balance the bitterness, if desired.

[dansnaturepictures]

21/09/24-Orach, my first Clouded Yellow of the year, Long-winged Conehead on chamomile, view, Linnet, Rook and dock at Milford-on-Sea and narrow leaf blue eyed grass in the garden. I am ecstatic to see the Clouded Yellow and another striking paler one on the walk, a sensational, exquisite and well coloured species that was the last one I could add to my year list it's the second latest in a year I've first seen one or any butterfly species so I wasn't sure if I'd see one this year. I'm thrilled to have seen forty three butterfly species this year, my joint third highest ever in a challenging year for them.

Other highlights on the great walk at the beautiful Milford-on-Sea were Small White, Large White, Peacock, Common Blue, Long-winged Conehead, Buzzard, Rook, Feral Pigeon, Rock Pipit, Wheatear, Stonechat, Linnets, Swallow, Sandwich Terns including diving into the water close to shore, Black-headed Gull, beautiful sand spurrey, sea rocket, ragwort, sowthistle, thrift, creeping thistle, white campion, hogweed seed heads and an (albeit knocked over) parasol mushroom. At home there were some great sightings today with the Chiffchaff coming into the garden for the second day running and landing on a sunflower, Blue Tit, Goldfinch including young, Starling, Collared Dove, Jackdaws, Large White, Speckled Wood and cranefly including on a rose.

[weedwatch]

Which product works to eliminate Sowthistle?

Did you know that the humble Sowthistle, a weed often found in fields, meadows, and even urban areas, is actually a member of the dandelion family and can produce up to 20,000 seeds per plant? This staggering reproductive capacity makes Sowthistle a formidable opponent for farmers, gardeners, and landscapers seeking to control its spread.

Sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis) is a perennial weed native to Europe and Asia, but has since been naturalized in many parts of the world, including North America. It can grow up to 6 feet tall, with a deep taproot that allows it to survive even the harshest of winters. The plant's leaves are typically lance-shaped, with prickly edges and a bitter taste, making them unpalatable to most animals.

Despite its uninviting appearance, Sowthistle has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Europe. The plant's leaves and stems contain a range of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.

However, for most people, Sowthistle is a nuisance that needs to be controlled. The weed can outcompete crops for water and nutrients, reducing yields and affecting plant growth. In gardens and landscapes, Sowthistle can quickly spread, overwhelming other plants and creating an unsightly mess.

When it comes to growth control or eradication, Mesotrione is a popular herbicide used to target Sowthistle. Mesotrione is a selective herbicide that works by inhibiting the production of a key enzyme involved in photosynthesis, ultimately killing the plant. However, it's essential to use Mesotrione with caution, as it can also harm desirable plants if not applied correctly.

-> Get **Mesotrione** MESO 4SC Select Herbicide here.

In addition to chemical control, there are several non-chemical methods for managing Sowthistle. These include hand-pulling or digging up the plants, particularly in small areas or when the weeds are still young. Mowing or cutting the plants can also help reduce seed production, but may not be effective in controlling the weed's spread.

Cultural practices, such as improving soil fertility and using competitive crops, can also help suppress Sowthistle growth. For example, planting crops like winter rye or oats, which have a dense growth habit, can help shade out Sowthistle and reduce its ability to compete for resources.

In conclusion, Sowthistle may seem like a harmless weed, but its impressive reproductive capacity and ability to outcompete crops make it a significant problem for many farmers, gardeners, and landscapers. By understanding the plant's biology and using a combination of chemical and non-chemical control methods, including Mesotrione, it's possible to effectively manage Sowthistle and prevent its spread.

[crudlynaturephotos]

[blogbirdfeather]

Common Sowthistle - Serralha (Sonchus oleraceus)

Lisboa/Portugal (16/03/2024)

[Nikon D850; AF 105mm Micro-Nikkor F2,8 with Circular Flash Nissin  MF 18; F16; 1/250s; 400 ISO]

[entombe]

I said I wasn't gonna work on other projects , y'know , like a liar.

I cannot help it I crave vibrancy in psd's.

[immawraffle]

A lovely pink clover in our yard.

[falseandrealultravival]

Today's Haiku with Picture 342

How cold

Grow defiantly

It's Nogeshi

寒さなど

ものともせずや

ノゲシかな

This grass from the Asteraceae family can be used in salads like dandelions. Harunogeshi.

Common sowthistle　Sonchus oleraceus

(2022.12.25)

[itsoctopuses]

Week 2 observations:

1.8.25

Crimson bottlebrush

Melaleuca citrina

In the Myrtle family. Native to Australia and apparently one of the first plants to be taken from Australia. It is hardy and is on the federal noxious weeds list. I find that interesting since it’s been planted in my complex. Surely, native plants could look just as good 🤷🏻‍♀️

Observed at home on Galveston Island 1.6.25 & 1.8.25.

#crimsonbottlebrush #Melaleucacitrina #citizenscience #nature #outdoors #pest #january #january8 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day8

1.9.25

Blue-tailed Damselfly

Ischnura elegans

This might be an adult male. It is a European species.

Observed on Galveston Island Seawall on 1.5.25.

I stopped to get pictures of the front over the water and this little guy landed for a quick rest.

#bluetaileddamselfly #Ischnuraelegans #citizenscience #storm #beach #insect #nature #outdoors #january #january9 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day9

1.10.25

Prickly Sowthistle

Sonchus asper

Another invasive species here in Texas. It’s native to Eurasia, is in the same tribe as the dandelion and is edible though you’d want to attempt this with a young plant before it gets too spiny!

Observed at Galveston Island State Park on 1.10.25.

I had fun capturing it’s reflection

#pricklysowthistle #Sonchusasper #citizenscience #nature #outdoors #invasive #flora #january #january10 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day10

1.11.25

Gulf Coast Toad

Incilius valliceps

They are 1 of 10 true toads in Texas. They are native to Texas. This could be a young female.

Observed at Galveston Island State Park on 1.11.25.

I picked 3 large fire ants off this poor toad!!

#gulfcoasttoad #Inciliusvalliceps #citizenscience #nature #outdoors #truetoad #january #january11 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day11

1.12.25

Sea Purslane

Sesuvium portulacastrum

It was raining all day so I didn’t get a chance to get something today. This was observed 1.11.25 at Galveston Island State Park.

It is native to Texas and much of the world. Also has naturalized in places it’s been introduced. It’s a sprawling perennial herb used in food and medicine around the world. They even pickle it in the Philippines!

#seapurslane #Sesuviumportulacastrum #citizenscience #beach #herb #flora #nature #outdoors #january #january12 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day12

1.13.25

Sanderling

Calidris alba

Observed on Galveston Island 1.13.25.

Because it’s in its non breeding winter plumage I don’t know if it’s a male or female.

They can travel great distances to their breeding grounds.

They run along the beach, “chasing waves” and feel on invertebrates buried in the sand.

#sanderling #Calidrisalba #citizenscience #bird #beach #nature #outdoors #january #january13 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day13

1.14.25

Surinam cockroach

Pycnoscelus surinamensis

This is an invasive species to Texas and other regions coming from the Indomalayan region. It is not considered an indoor pest though you might find one occasionally in your home. They are also referred to as the greenhouse cockroach. It burrows in loose soil and will come out at night to eat soft plants. They are almost all female having evolved to reproduce parthenogenetically, where the embryos develop from unfertilized eggs.

Some critters will show me getting out of my comfort zone and this is one of those times. I hate roaches but I want to show more than just the “pretty” side of nature. This was observed at Galveston Island state park 1.3.25

#surinamcockroach #Pycnoscelussurinamensis #citizenscience #insect #nature #outdoors #january #january14 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day14

[oujibaka]

Love identifying local plants to prove my father wrong about things

[hhoneycloves]

Flowers 💫

behind Mind: - white carnations for innocence and purity [symbolizing how new he is to loving and being loved] - white clover meaning "remember me" or "think of me"

behind Heartless!Heart: - chickweed for faithfulness and love - sowthistle for tenacity in the face of hardship [both plants are considered "weeds," which hold significance to how Heartless!Heart's love, like a weed, roots itself deeply in others and becomes difficult to remove afterward]

[happypeachsludgeflower]

What type of flower (weed) do you think Feng Xin would give Mu Qing as an apology gift whenever he pissed the other man off? I'm leaning towards common sowthistle, which is a native plant in China. It's obviously a thistle, but also looks like a dandelion, and is so very obviously not a flower to be giving in a bouquet (it's a thistle), that the concept of Feng Xin finding it on the side of the road and thinking, "Yes, this flower will make Mu Qing forgive me!" and then ripping a huge stalk from the ground with chunks of mud still caked to the roots (and covered in blood now because he absolutely shredded his hands in the processes) and returning to Mu Qing with his gift much like a cat proudly showing off its kill to its master is so fucking funny and yea okay I've convinced myself. Never mind about the question. Feng Xin is giving Mu Qing sowthistles.

[argonphoenix]

for those asking what she is i believe she’s a spiny sowthistle, but i can’t confirm it until she blooms. i dont usually name my plants but i’d love to hear suggestions :)

sorry guys i cannot come to the function today. im too busy watering my weed

[warriorcatsverdun]

Prefix Ideas: Plants

Photo by Maria Orlova

Prefix Masterlist

This list only contains French animals as that is where this roleplay takes place. This also says prefix, but, depending on your character they might work better at a suffix. There are also prefixes I don't personally like. Don't take them all as endorsements, just options.

This list is also special since it contains a lot of options that would work well as entire warrior names and a lot that would be good best as loner names. Use your best judgement.

You also don't have to be a member of this roleplay to use them. These are just simple lists to give some ideas.

WARNING: This list is LONG! Use the read more to get the list.

Alkanet

Allium

Alyssum

Amaryllis

Ambrosina

Anlaga

Apricot

Arum

Ash

Aster

Aven

Barley

Bean

Bellflower

Bent

Birdsfoot

Bitterwort

Blackberry

Borage

Brome

Broom

Bugloss

Bulrush

Buttercup

Calamint

Calliflower

Candytuft

Carnation

Carob

Carrot

Caspia

Cattail

Celery

Chamomile

Cherry

Cinquefoil

Clandestine

Clover

Columbine

Cotton

Cowslip

Crambe

Crocus

Daffodil

Daisy

Elder

Elm

Fennel

Fescue

Fir

Foxtail

Fritillary

Furze

Gaillet

Geranium

Germander

Gorse

Grass

Gromwell

Hawkweed

Heather

Hemlock

Honeysuckle

Iris

Ironwort

Jasmine

Kale

Kelp

Knapweed

Larch

Laurel

Lavender

Lentil

Lily

Lime

Linden

Loosestrife

Lotus

Lyme

Mallow

Manyseed

Mayflower

Milkvetch

Milkwort

Moss

Mustard

Narcissus

Neogaya

Oak

Oarweed

Odontarrhena

Olive

Orchid

Osier

Parsley

Pea

Pear

Pine

Pipevine

Plum

Primrose

Rattle

Reed

Rose

Rush

Rye

Saffron

Sandwort

Saxfrage

Sedge

Snapdragon

Snowflake

Sowthistle

Speedwell

Starflower

Starfruit

Stock

Stonecrop

Storksbill

Sunflower

Tamarisk

Thistle

Thyme

Toadflax

Viola

Wallflower

Waternymph

Wayfarer

Willow

Woodruff

Wormwood

Wort

Xartardia

[dansnaturepictures]

07/01/2024-Lakeside, Southsea, Weston Shore and home

Photos taken in this set are of; views, rose hips and wild carrot on a walk at Lakeside this morning, a dazzling Kingfisher on the walk too I'm familiar with seeing them on this date as today is my birthday and I've seen this one of my very favourite birds on my birthday five times now which is always special, yarrow, views at Southsea including looking towards the Spinnaker Tower and the sun shining through a bush, a fabulous Fox in the bright sunshine that walked around the area behind the barriers where the sea defence work which was a glorious sight and Carrion Crows in an interesting feeding frenzy to witness at Weston Shore this evening.

I was also thrilled to see the Black Redstart at Southsea Castle again after seeing it in December, my first of the year to take my year list to a pleasing 76 to end an extraordinary, packed and brilliant week off of birds, mammals, flowers, fungi and more with many fantastic places visited. I have a great personal bond with Black Redstart seeing my first on the building site for the development our house is on in 2010, it's twice been the species to (at the time) make my year list my joint highest ever, once making my year list (at the time) my highest ever and being the final species of my current highest ever year list 2023, now I can say I saw one on my birthday too. Other highlights at Lakeside were stunning views of Great Crested Grebes and Tufted Ducks, a great Redwing and Wren view, Woodpigeon, ivy, hazel catkins, pretty cuckoo-pint leaf and mistletoe. At Southsea gorgeous views of Brent Geese on the green, Herring Gull, Carrion Crow, Starling, Wren, daisy, gorse and milk or sowthistle stood out too with Herring Gull and Black-headed Gull also seen at Weston Shore. Magpie was nice to see from home today.