Rough milk thistle (Sonchus asper, Herb. Brit. 1: 47 (1769))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (L.) Hill

Bibliography: Herb. Brit. 1: 47 (1769)

Year: 1769

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sonchus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Temp. Eurasia, N. Africa to Sahel and Somalia

Description

Rough milk thistle, scientifically known as Sonchus asper, is a prominent member of the Asteraceae family. Initially documented in the 18th century (Herb. Brit. 1: 47 (1769)) by its author (L.) Hill, this plant has since captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Native to temperate regions of Eurasia and North Africa, Rough milk thistle extends its presence all the way to the Sahel and Somalia. Its adaptability to different climates and terrains contributes to its widespread distribution.

This resilient species is recognized by its spiny, toothed leaves and distinctive yellow flower heads that bloom prominently against the verdant background of its foliage. The plant’s robustness is matched by its ecological significance, providing essential habitats and food sources for various insects and wildlife.

Historically, Sonchus asper has been valued not only for its ecological benefits but also for its medicinal properties. Traditional remedies often employed parts of the plant to treat various ailments, showcasing its utility beyond decorative purposes.

In gardens and wild landscapes alike, Rough milk thistle stands out, not just for its unique appearance but also for its vital role within its ecosystem. Its presence is a testament to the enduring beauty and functionality of wild flora across diverse environments.

Common Names

Fin: aitoukonhattu, metsätähti, otavalvatti
Swe: balkansippa, skogsalpsklocka, skogsstjärna, svinmjölktistel, svinmolke, svintistel, trädgårdsstormhatt
Hin: didhi, dodak
Lav: dzeloņainā mīkstpiene
Ita: grespino spinoso
Est: kare piimohakas
Kor: keung-bang-ga-ji-tong
Ara: khuwwaysh
Kin: kikembekembe
Fra: laiteron piquant, laiteron rude, laiteron épineux, lastron, lastron piquant
Cos: lattarone
Mar: mahatra
Pol: mlecz kolczasty
Eng: native sow-thistle, native sowthistle, prickly sow thistle, prickly sow-thistle, prickly sowthistle, rough milk thistle, rough sow thistle, rough sow-thistle, rough sowthistle, sow thistle, spiny sow thistle, spiny sow-thistle, spiny sowthistle, spiny-leaf sow thistle
Deu: raue gänsedistel, rauhe gänsedistel
Mri: raurōroa
Sqi: rrëshyell i ashpër
Dan: ru svinemælk, skovstjerne
Por: serralha-espinhosa, serralha-áspera
Nor: skogstjerne, stivdylle, venusvogn
Tur: sütleğen
Spa: yerba espinosa
Nld: gekroesde melkdistel
Tso: hlavi
En: Rough milk thistle, Rough sow thistle, Spiny sow thistle, Spiny-leaf sow thistle, Prickly sow thistle, Spiny sowthistle, Spiny-Leaf Sow-Thistle, Prickly sow-thistle, PRICKLY SOWTHISTLE, Spinyleaf sowthistle, Sharp-fringed sow thistle, Spiny milk thistle, Spiny milkthistle, Spiny sow-thistle, Spiny-leaved sow thistle, Native Sow-Thistle, Native Sowthistle, Rough Sow-thistle, Rough Sowthistle, Sow Thistle, Prickly annual sow-thistle, Spiny annual sow-thistle, Spiny-leaved sow-thistle, Spiny Milk-thistle, Spiny-leaf Sowthistle, Perennial sowthistle
Ab: Адырҕыҕ
Sq: Rrëshyell i ashpër
Ar: تفاف جاسئ, تفاف جاسىء, Khuwwaysh, Umm al laban, تِفاف جاسئ, خُرُّم مُرّ, سُمَيْرَة
Hy: Կաթնբեկ խորդուբորդ
Be: Асот шурпаты
Bg: Влакнест кострец
Ca: Lletsó punxós, Lletsó bord
Zh: 花叶滇苦菜, 鬼苦苣菜
Co: Lattarone
Cs: Mléč drsný, Mlé
Da: Ru svinemælk, Skovstjerne, Ægte Stormhat
Nl: Gekroesde melkdistel, Ruwe melkdistel
Et: Kare piimohakas
Fi: Otavalvatti, Aitoukonhattu, Metsätähti
Fr: Laiteron rude, Laiteron piquant, Laiteron épineux, Lastron, Lastron piquant, Laiteron âpre, Brède lastron, Laiteron potager, Laiteron lisse
De: Raue Gänsedistel, Rauhe Gänsedistel, Dornige Gänsedistel
He: מָרוֹר מַכְחִיל, מרור מכחיל
Hi: Didhi, Dodak
Is: Galtarfífill
It: Grespino spinoso
Rw: Kikembekembe, Rurira
Ko: 큰방가지똥, Keung-bang-ga-ji-tong
Lv: Dzeloņainā mīkstpiene
Gv: Bee muc friogganagh
Mr: Mahatra
Mi: Raurōroa, Kautara, Puhapuha, Pūhā tiotio, Taweke, Tiotio, Wekeweke
Nv: Azeeʼ hókánii łibáhígíí
Se: Roavajearjá, Roavajeađjá
No: Stivdylle, Skogstjerne, Venusvogn
Fa: شیرتیغک
Pl: Mlecz kolczasty
Pt: Serralha-espinhosa, Serralha-áspera
Pt-br: Serralha-comum
Qu: Khishka khishka, Kichka-kichka lichi-lichi, Yuyu k’ana, Yuyu khana
Ro: Сусай аспру
Ru: Осот шероховатый
Gd: Searbhan Muice
Sk: Mlieč drsný
Es: Azapuercos, Cardeña, Cardimuelle, Cardincha, Cardinche, Cardinchi, Cardo lechar, Cardo lechera, Cardo lechero, Cardo lecherín, Cardo lincherín, Cardo meleño, Cardo, Cardoncha, Cerraja, Cerrajas, Cerrajón, Cerrayas, Diente de león, Latazín, Lechacino, Lechariega, Lechazines, Lechazino, Lecherina, Lecherines, Lecherín, Lechiterna, Lechugos, Lechuguilla, Lencherina, Lincharina, Lincherina, Lincherines, Llataim, Llatazín, Muelle, Yerba espinosa, Kanapaco
Sv: Svinmolke, Svinmjölktistel, Svintistel, Balkansippa, Skogsalpsklocka, Skogsstjärna, Trädgårdsstormhatt
Zh-tw: 鬼苦苣菜
Zh-hant: 花葉滇苦菜
Ts: Hlavi
Tr: Sütleğen
Cy: Llaethysgallen arw, Llaethysgallen, Ysgall yr Ysgyfarnog, Ysgallen Bigog

Synonyms

• Sonchus oleraceus var. asper (L.)
• Sonchus oleraceus subsp. asper ((L.) Ehrh.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Austria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Chad (native)
• Chita (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Selvagens (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Somalia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Alaska (introduced)
• Alberta (introduced)
• Angola (introduced)
• Antipodean Is. (introduced)
• Arizona (introduced)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Bahamas (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Botswana (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Chatham Is. (introduced)
• China North-Central (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Delaware (introduced)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Falkland Is. (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Guyana (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Iceland (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Inner Mongolia (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Kansas (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Lesotho (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Madagascar (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Mexican Pacific Is. (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• Montana (introduced)
• Mozambique (introduced)
• Namibia (introduced)
• Nebraska (introduced)
• Nevada (introduced)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Newfoundland (introduced)
• Nicaragua (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• North Dakota (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Northern Territory (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Oklahoma (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Panamá (introduced)
• Paraguay (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Prince Edward I. (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• Rodrigues (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Saskatchewan (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• South Dakota (introduced)
• Swaziland (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Tibet (introduced)
• Tonga (introduced)
• Tristan da Cunha (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)
• Wyoming (introduced)
• Xinjiang (introduced)
• Yukon (introduced)
• Zambia (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Dec 7, 2021 by Jardin Des Cocagnous (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2021 by Jani Zadrgal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2019 by macho María (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2021 by Jardin Des Cocagnous (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Athos Zanarini (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Dec 3, 2021 by Jardin Des Cocagnous (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2019 by Sergio Zampa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2017 by Heinz Gass (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 28, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2021 by Jani Zadrgal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2019 by Busqué Juan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2021 by Jardin Des Cocagnous (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 9, 2019 by Fedan Hacizade (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2019 by Pastiche (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2004 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2022 by 🐞Hélène🐦 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2021 by Daniel SOTTY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 13, 2021 by Giulia (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 20, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2018 by Kristen Nelson (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2017 by Jean-René Girardeau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2019 by Michael Michael (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2021 by Jani Zadrgal (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3105782)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1003017-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sonchus asper (L.) Hill)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Soil nutriments: 7

Soil salinity: 1