View source for Sonchus asper

{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = ''Sonchus asper''
| image = Sonchus asper2.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Asterales]]
| familia = [[Asteraceae]]
| genus = ''[[Sonchus]]''
| species = '''''S. asper'''''
| binomial = ''Sonchus asper''
| binomial_authority = ([[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]) Hill
}}

'''''Sonchus asper'''''('''Sharp-fringed Sow Thistle''', '''Spiny Sow Thistle''', or '''Spiny-leaved Sow Thistle''') is an [[annual plant]] with spiny [[leaves]] and yellow [[flowers]] resembling those of the [[dandelion]]. The leaves are bluish-green, simple, lanceolate, with wavy and sometimes lobed margins, covered in spines on both the margins and beneath. The base of the leaf surrounds the stem.  The plant can reach 180 cm (6 ft) in height.  The leaves and stems emit a milky [[sap (plant)|sap]] when cut. The flowers grow in clusters and the end of the stems.

This plant is native to [[Europe]], but is also a common [[weed]] in [[North America]]n roadsides, landscapes, and pastures.  Its [[edible leaves]] make a palatable and nutritious [[leaf vegetable]].