Marsh sowthistle (Sonchus palustris, Sp. Pl.: 793 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 793 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sonchus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to W. Siberia and Iran

Description

Marsh sowthistle (Sonchus palustris), a remarkable perennial herb, thrives in wetland habitats across a vast range spanning from Europe to Western Siberia and Iran. First scientifically documented by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in his seminal work, Species Plantarum, this plant is a distinctive member of the Asteraceae family, known for its impressive size and unique morphological features.

Characterized by its tall stature, often reaching heights of up to 3 meters (approximately 10 feet), Marsh sowthistle showcases a robust, hollow stem, typically tinged with purple hues. The leaves are elongated and lance-shaped, exhibiting sharp, toothed edges that can effectively deter herbivores. Their surface is a striking green, sometimes with a slight bluish overlay, adapting perfectly to the lush, moisture-rich environments it inhabits.

During the blooming season, which predominantly occurs from midsummer to early autumn, Marsh sowthistle produces an array of bright yellow flowers that form dense clusters at the terminal ends of its branches. Each flower head is composed of numerous small, ligulate florets, contributing to a dandelion-like appearance. These floriferous displays are not only aesthetically pleasing but also play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems by providing nectar for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Ecologically, Sonchus palustris plays a significant part in its native wetlands. It contributes to soil stabilization and offers habitat and food sources for various wildlife species. Its presence can also indicate healthy, unpolluted water systems, making it an important plant for environmental monitoring.

Despite its robust nature, Marsh sowthistle faces certain threats due to habitat destruction and changes in water management practices. Conservation efforts are essential to maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystems where this plant prospers. In botanical gardens and reserves, Marsh sowthistle can serve as an educational tool, illustrating the intricate connections between wetland flora and the environments they support.

In conclusion, Marsh sowthistle encapsulates a blend of ecological importance and striking beauty, symbolizing the intricate symbiosis between plant species and their habitats. Understanding and preserving this species not only benefits the immediate ecosystem but also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance within our natural world.

Common Names

Ita: grespino di palude
Dan: kær-svinemælk
Fra: laiteron des marais
Eng: marsh sow-thistle, marsh sowthistle
Pol: mlecz błotny, mlecz nadwodny
Swe: strandmolke, strandtistel
Nor: sumpdylle
Deu: sumpf-gänsedistel, sumpfgänsedistel
Nld: moerasmelkdistel
Bul: блатен кострец
Rus: осот болотный
Ron: сусай де-балтэ
Hye: կաթնբեկ ճահճային
Cym: llaethysgallen y dŵr, llaethysgallen y gors
En: Marsh sowthistle, Fen Sowthistle, Marsh sow-thistle
Ar: تفاف سبخي
Hy: Կաթնբեկ ճահճային
Be: Асот балотны
Bg: Блатен кострец
Zh: 沼生苦苣菜
Cs: Mléč bahenní
Da: Kær-Svinemælk
Nl: Moerasmelkdistel
Fi: Rantavalvatti
Fr: Laiteron des marais
De: Sumpf-Gänsedistel, Sumpfgänsedistel
Hu: Mocsári csorbóka
It: Grespino di palude
No: Sumpdylle
Fa: شیرتیغک باتلاقی
Pl: Mlecz błotny, Mlecz nadwodny
Ro: Сусай де-балтэ
Ru: Осот болотный
Sv: Strandmolke, Strandtistel
Zh-hant: 沼生苦苣菜
Cy: Llaethysgallen y gors, Llaethysgallen y Dŵr

Synonyms

• Hieracium palustre (E.H.L.Krause)
• Sonchoseris palustris (Fourr.)
• Sonchus sespedalis (Gilib.)
• Sonchus sagittatus (Moench)
• Sonchus paludosus (Gueldenst. ex Ledeb.)
• Sonchidium palustre (Pomel)

Distribution

• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Ontario (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 26, 2021 by Lyndsie Van Dussen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2021 by Annick DESCHAMPS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Steffen Gläser (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2021 by Toby Austin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2021 by Toby Austin (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Easger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2020 by Nick Lightbody (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2021 by John Tait (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2022 by Jeroen B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2021 by Toby Austin (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Easger (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 14, 2022 by Jeroen B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2022 by Tim Lossen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 18, 2019 by Sandie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Akos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 4, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Benjamin BOULAIRE (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:250281-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3105650)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sonchus palustris L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 8

Soil salinity: 1