Japanese name: ノゲシ（野芥子） Scientific name:Sonchus oleraceus
[Overview]
A winter annual 50–100 cm tall, found in vacant lots, roadsides and similar places.
White milky sap comes out when the stem or leaves are damaged.
The stem is thick, soft, hollow and ridged.
There are basal leaves and stem leaves.
The basal leaves are irregularly pinnately cut.
The stem leaves are alternate, with the base projecting in a pointed, ear-like shape that clasps the stem.
The lower the leaf on the stem, the deeper and more irregular the cuts.
The upper part of the stem branches and bears yellow to cream-colored flower heads about 2 cm across.
The flower stalks sometimes have glandular hairs.
The main flowering season is April–July, but plants can be seen in bloom all year round.
The fruit is an achene with a white pappus.
[History]
It is thought to have become naturalized in Japan from China in ancient times.
[Uses]
The whole plant is used medicinally.
Young seedlings are bitter but edible.
