#Spiny sowthistle

[thebotanicalarcade]

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[oujibaka]

Love identifying local plants to prove my father wrong about things

[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!

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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.

[twistedthistlehomestead]

I walk around our property looking at the different “weeds” growing. I’m new to learning about herbalism so I use an app to find out what a lot of things are. But I also do research to make sure the app is telling me correctly.

These are some of the plants that the app says we have here:

Thistle

Curly Dock

Carolina Geranium

Hairy Buttercup

Spiny Sowthistle

Common Vetch

Lesser Swinecress

Horse weed

Pennsylvania Everlasting

Chinese Bushclover

Groundseltree

Japanese Honeysuckle

Sticky Chickweed

Prickly Lettuce

Tiny Bluet

Corn Salad

Birdeye Speedwell

Wild Garlic

Purple Dead-nettle

Dandelion

Creeping Buttercup

Henbit Deadnettle

Roundleaf Greenbrier

Evening Primrose

Blue Mistflower

Purple False Foxglove

Broomsedge Bluestem

Wrinkledleaf Goldenrod

Pasture Thistle

Virginia Creeper

Trumpet Vine

White Heath Aster

White Clover

Large leaf Pennywort

American Pokeweed

Dogfennel

But it seems like every day there’s something new popping up.

[mariathearcane]

Wildcrafting for Spellwork Weeds I Found In My Yard For Spellwork (from left to right) Watch Video/Source | https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcYOg88gYwd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link 🌿 Youngia Anti-viral Stop gossip and have it turn in your favor

🌿Spiny Sowthistle Edible spikey leaves Perfect for kitchen witchery protection spells 🌿Cudweed Aphroditic Use in love spells and saucy *wink wink* magick 🌿Ragweed The Cause & Remedy of Allergies Hexing and hexing-reversals 🌿Dead Nettle Stops bleeding Stop a bad situation before it gets worse

[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

[insidewarp]

https://www.nikonsmallworld.com/galleries/2009-photomicrography-competition/sonchus-asper-spiny-sowthistle-flower-stem-section

[bethestaryouareradio]

Boots on the Ground

By Cynthia Brian

 “I’m fed up with old men dreaming up wars for young men to die in.”  George S. McGovern

 “Lose yourself in nature and find peace.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

  How much can a gardener accomplish without the proper boots? To be a successful gardener, we need the right tools.  Sturdy boots are an indispensable ingredient for keeping steady and safe on any terrain. Although my gardening wardrobe varies with the seasons, the one item that I’m never without is my garden boots. Over the years I’ve worn out numerous pairs of cowboy boots, rubber boots, and mud boots, but none were pretty or stylish. My Christmas gift this year from my daughter and her husband was two pairs of decorative, yet highly functional gardening boots. These boots are beautiful, comfortable, waterproof, and quick cleaning, as they must withstand all types of ground, but not battlegrounds.

 They are not combat boots.

 Wearing my pretty and protective boots, I wonder about the boots of the brave people of Ukraine, both military and civilian, who are courageously fighting against the Russian aggressors. In unanimity with this valiant nation, I am dedicating this season to the colors of blue and yellow. Glory to the heroes!

 We can all spring into solidarity by planting blooms for the brave. Choose a combination of specimens from both color spectrums that best represent how you feel. Make sure to check compatibility with light, moisture, and growth habits.  Plant in a pot or create the Ukrainian flag in a grand gesture of unity with any of the varieties listed.

 BLUE

Dutch iris

Bearded iris

Hyacinth

Periwinkle

Delphinium

Phlox

Lavandula

Lavender

Clematis

Campanula

Liriope

Nepeta

Agastache

Lupin

Aquilegia

Aster

Brunnera

Crocus

Geranium Rosanne

Echinops

Hydrangea

Pansy

Petunia

Blue-Eyed Star Grass

Salvia

Angelonia

Agapanthus

Heliotrope

Sweet pea

Lobelia

Verbena

Buddleia

Hibiscus

Lilac

Anchusa

Baptisia

Gentiana

Plumbago

Ajuga

Scabiosa

Veronica

Forget-Me-Not

  YELLOW

Crocus

Lantana

Bearded Iris

Dutch Iris

Shamrock

Yarrow

Daffodil

Tulip

Calendula

Roses

Margarite

Shasta Daisy

Calibrachoa

Gladiolus

Pansy

Petunia

Tithonia

Rudbeckia

Marigold

Zinnia

Dahlia

Forsythia

Hibiscus

Echinacea

Aquilegia

Baptisia

Ligularia

Chrysanthemum

Coreopsis

Gaillardia

Golden Star

Hellebore

Daylily

Sunflower

Hollyhock

Lupine

Primrose

Sedum

Mustard

 Although I don’t know of any weeds other than the dayflower that boast the blue color, many unwanted plants have yellow flowers. Keep in mind, what some people consider a weed, others enjoy as a medicinal herb, wildflower, or pretty plant. Weeds are plants growing where they are not wanted. Some species that many gardeners consider weeds are sold as garden favorites in garden centers. You decide what you want to allow to thrive in your garden. Seeds from weeds are spread by wind, water, and birds, quickly and effectively. If you have weeds, it is best to pull them out by hand by the root as soon as possible and before they go to seed as they can take over a huge area in a very minimal amount of time. Many of these weeds are considered invasive and noxious as they are difficult to control, and they displace welcome plants. Also, be aware that any plant could be poisonous if ingested. Never take a taste sample of a plant unless you are certain that it is safe. 

 WEEDS with Yellow Flowers

Dandelion

Spiny Sowthistle. 

Yellow Hawkweed

Woolly mullein

Golden clover

Creeping buttercup

Butterweed

Goldenrod

Loosestrife

Ragwort

Cinquefoil

Creeping Jenny Yellow burr weed

Spanish broom            

St. John’s Wort

Skeletonweed

Flat-top goldenrod

Yellow Toadflax

Velvetleaf

Black Medic 

Goat head wee

��I am saddened and outraged by the aggression and devastation Russian forces have and continue to inflict on this independent nation, specifically targeting innocent civilian populations, hospitals, and schools. In addition to prayers, positive thoughts, and donations to relief organizations, spring into solidarity with Ukraine and exhibit blue and yellow now and until this unjustified war is resolved.

 Our boots are made for walking and while my boots are on my grounds, as I garden, I stand for Ukraine.

 Cynthia Brian’s Mid-Month Garden Reminders

ü  PLANT early blooming pollinators including California poppy, chives, larkspur dianthus, lupine, pea, viola, and sweet alyssum.

ü  GOPHERS are breeding. Be on the alert to eradicate these destroyers. 

ü  START your spring gardening by improving the soil. Gardens are often missing the microorganisms and nutrients needed for a thriving crop.

ü  RE-SEED or plant a new lawn during this spring weather. Commence weekly mowing for sturdier growing. For best results, do not use a leaf bag but instead, allow the clippings to compost on the grass naturally.

ü  FERTILIZE fruit trees and flowering shrubs with a high nitrogen solution.

ü  DIVIDE perennials such as daylilies and agapanthus.

ü  CLUMP flowers together in areas measuring four feet diameter or more to attract bees, butterflies, and birds.

ü  CLEAN fountains, ponds, birdbaths, and other water features to welcome our flying friends home for the warmer weather.

ü  CELEBRATE spring on March 20th, the vernal equinox. The day and nighttime hours equal exactly twelve each.

ü  SET a bowl of yellow and blue fruits such as lemons, grapefruits, bananas, grapes, and blueberries to remind us that freedom isn’t free, we fight for it. 

ü  FIND peace in nature. 

ü  SHOW solidarity with Ukraine and democracy by embracing a garden filled with blue and yellow flowering plants. 

 Happy Gardening. Happy Growing. Happy Spring. Triumph for Ukraine and the world.!

Photos and More: http://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1602/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-Boots-on-the-ground.html

Press Pass::

https://blog.voiceamerica.com/2022/03/15/blooms-for-the-brave/

Cynthia Brian, The Goddess Gardener, is available for hire to help you prepare for your spring garden. Raised in the vineyards of Napa County, Cynthia is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at www.StarStyleRadio.com.

Buy copies of her books, including, Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul, Growing with the Goddess Gardener, and Be the Star You Are! www.cynthiabrian.com/online-store. Receive a FREE inspirational music DVD and special savings.

Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures.

Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com

www.GoddessGardener.com

[dafreaquajenkins]

I thought this tiny spiny sowthistle growing out of a pvc drainpipe out outside of a Kohl’s made me happy (at Kohl's) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIqyIj7AWVD/?igshid=8x6w88tdhgj5

[gopeshsblog]

Sonchus oleraceus, with many common names including common sowthistle, sow thistle, smooth sow thistle, annual sow thistle, hare's colwort, hare's thistle, milky tassel, milk thistle, soft thistle, or swinies, is a plant in the dandelion tribe within the daisy family. It is native to Europe and western Asia.  Thistle is an erect annual herb, with basal leaves, branching above. Stems are hollow, mostly hairless, ooze milky sap when broken. Leaves are green, light or dark green, alternate. Basal leaves abd upper leaves are variable in plant, oblong, obovate, lanceshaped, often winged at base, spiny edges deeply lobed. Flowers are yellow, small, about 1.2-2.5 cm, on tips of flowering stalks. The flower-heads consist of strap-shaped florets. Flowers-heads are borne in open clusters. Fruit is an achene with white hairs on one end, seeds are wind dispersed. Sow Thistle is native to Europe to Mediterranean, Sahara to Arabian Peninsula. It is naturalized widely the world over, including India. Medicinal uses: Plant is useful in liver diseases. Leaves and roots are used in indegestion as febrifuge; stem is used as sedative, tonic; root extract is used in ointments for ulcers and wounds. Gum produced by evaporating latex is used for ascites and hydrothorax. #Gopesh @Gopesh. # flowers #yellowflowers #wildflowers #floral #flowers_mania__ #flowerstagram #flowerphotography #flowers_beauties #flower_photography #flower_perfection #buds_flowers #nature #nature_shot #nature_lovers #nature_brillance #naturephotography #macro_admirer #macro_love #macro_lovers #macro #macromania #macro_photography_lovers #macro_perfection #beautiful_photography #beauty #sonchusoleraceus https://www.instagram.com/p/CDQT__nsBm2/?igshid=16p4rumjyc4y3

[tarlokkumarphotography]

Sonchus Asper, The Prickly Sow-thistle, Rough Milk Thistle, Spiny Sowthistle, Sharp-fringed Sow Thistle, or Spiny-leaved Sow Thistle, is a widespread plant in the dandelion tribe within the daisy family. #sonchusasper #sonchus_asper #thepricklysowthistle #roughmilkthistle #spinysowthistle #sharpfringedsowthistle #spinyleavedsowthistle #dandeliontribe #daisyfamily #plantae #commonthistle #thistle #flower #wildflower https://www.instagram.com/p/B-0BlrfpSkM/?igshid=1th4wbm2u4s2

[katiemarland]

The final piece from my degree show - a triptych of watercolour weeds with accompanying hand-fabricated sterling silver jewellery pieces. In order: shepherds purse, spiny sowthistle and goose grass.

[tangledwing]

Sonchus asper (spiny sowthistle) flower stem section (150x). Gerd Günther Düsseldorf, Germany.

[fatchance]

What's Blooming (Weed Edition): Spiny sowthistle (Sonchus asper), in Portsmouth, Virginia.

[versaversa]