Contents
Description
Sonchus Palustris, commonly known as Marsh Sowthistle, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant can grow up to 1.5 meters in height and has a long stem that is sometimes branched. The leaves of Sonchus Palustris are green and lobed, with spines on the margins, and can grow up to 30 cm in length. The flowers are yellow and appear from July to September. The fruit is an achene that is approximately 3-5 mm long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Sonchus |
Appearance
Sonchus Palustris has a tall, slender stem with green lobed leaves that are spiny on the margins. The flowers are yellow and appear in clusters from July to September. The fruit is an achene that is approximately 3-5 mm long.
Care Guide
Sonchus Palustris prefers moist soil and full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soils but prefers acidic soil. Watering should be done regularly, but the soil should not be waterlogged. Fertilization can be done once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. Sonchus Palustris can grow in hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sonchus Palustris is susceptible to aphids and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Powdery mildew can also affect the plant, which can be controlled by reducing humidity and providing good air circulation. Root rot can occur if the soil is too wet, so ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
Sonchus Palustris is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced to North America. It grows in wetlands, marshes, and along riverbanks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Sonchus Palustris edible?
A: Yes, the leaves of Sonchus Palustris can be eaten raw or cooked.
Q: Can Sonchus Palustris be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Sonchus Palustris can be grown in a container as long as it has enough space for its roots to grow and is watered regularly.
Q: Does Sonchus Palustris attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the yellow flowers of Sonchus Palustris attract bees and butterflies.
Q: How often should Sonchus Palustris be fertilized?
A: Sonchus Palustris should be fertilized once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Sonchus Arvensis
- Sonchus Asper
- Sonchus Oleraceus
- Sonchus Tenerrimus
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/sonpal/all.html
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/sonchus-palustris-marsh-sowthistle
- https://www.primitivedogs.com/sonchus-palustris/
