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Sow-thistle (Sonchus oleraceus)

A Bumble Bee feeding off a Sow-thistle flower found at the start of the trail leading to the Gillies Lake Conservation Area in the City of Timmins Northeastern Ontario Canada

 

Native to Europe

 

Common sow thistle is in the Compositae (Asteraceae) family. This is a nutritious plant that contains several minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and zinc) and vitamins ( A, B1, B2, B3, B6, & C). The leaves are also great to use as an antioxidant.

 

Earlier in the season this plant tastes nice. Leaves and flowers can be added to salads, cooked like spinach or used in soups, casseroles, etc.. The leaves contain vitamin C, protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Cook stems like asparagus. They taste better if the outer skin is removed. Young roots can be cooked as well.

 

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Uploaded on August 9, 2017
Taken on August 7, 2017