Sonchus arvensis
| Sonchus arvensis | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 4' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Mid Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Sonchus arvensis (common name: field milk thistle)
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in situ. A common garden weed, this species should not normally need any assistance.
Cultivation: A common garden weed, see notes on its habitat if you want to encourage it.
This species has been cultivated for its edible leaves by the Maoris of New Zealand, in Indonesia there are improved varieties selected for their edible leaves[1][2].
A good companion for onions, tomatoes, corn as well as the cucumber and squash family[3].
Range: Europe, including Britain, south and east from Scandanavia to Spain and W. Asia.
Habitat: Arable and waste land, ditches and on the drift line of salt and brackish margins, avoiding acid soils[4][5][6]. A persistent weed of cultivation[7].
Edibility: Young leaves - raw or cooked[4][8][9][10]. A slightly bitter taste, they can be added to salads or cooked like spinach[5][2]. The leaves are rich in mineral salts and vitamin C[5], they contain about 47mg of vitamin C per 100g and 2% protein (dry weight)[11]. It might be best, though it is not necessary, to remove the marginal prickles[5].
Stems - cooked like asparagus or rhubarb[12].
Young root - cooked[12].
The roasted root is used as a coffee substitute[13][2].
Medicinal: The leaves are used as a poultice and are said to have anti-inflammatory activity[4][14]. An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of caked breasts[15].
A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of asthma, coughs and other chest complaints[14].
A tea made from the leaves is said to calm the nerves[14].
Usage: The plant is said to have insecticidal properties[16].
Pollinators: Bees, flies, lepidoptera, beetles, self
Notes: Any of the milk thistles supply edible leaves and seeds. Beware possible weed problems.
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Seed Ripens: Late Summer-Mid Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ Brooker, Stanley. Economic Native Plants of New Zealand. Oxford University Press, 1991.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ Riotte, Louise. Carrots Love Tomatoes. Garden Way, 1978.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Launert, Edmund. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn, 1981.
- ↑ Clapham, Arthur and Tom Tootin, Edmund Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press, 1962.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Mabey, Richard. Food for Free. Collins, 1974.
- ↑ Larkcom, Joy. Salads all the Year Round. Hamlyn, 1980.
- ↑ Hatfield, Audrey. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd, 1974.
- ↑ Crowe, Andrew. Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Hodder and Stoughton, 1990.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Loewenfeld, Claire and Philippa Back. Britain's Wild Larder. David and Charles.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Foster, Steven and Billy Tatum. Medicinal Plants of Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin, 1990.
- ↑ Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.
- ↑ Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.