Plants of the San Marcos Foothills Preserve
Sonchus asper (Spiny Sowthistle)
Uncommon, native, perennial shrub found in coastal sage-scrub plant community, but also on the edges of oak woodland. Flowers are yellow (aging red). Blooms in spring. Previous scientific name: Lotus scoparius.
Sonchus asper (Spiny Sowthistle). NON-NATIVE. Pictured in spring.
Sonchus asper (Spiny Sowthistle). NON-NATIVE. Pictured in spring.
Sonchus asper (Spiny Sowthistle). NON-NATIVE. Pictured in spring. This photo shows the rounded lobes on the lower leaves compared to pointed on Sonchus oleraceus.