SAMARA:
Perennial Sow-thistle - Sonchus arvensis
It got the name Sow Thistle from the fact that when cut the plant exudes a latex like milk which was believed to help lactation in mothering sows.
The leaves, flowers and roots are edible. These are best consumed when the plant is young because the older it gets the more bitter it becomes. Once it becomes bitter you can cook with it or mix it with pleasant tasting greens. Leaf spines need to be removed. The leaves are rich in mineral salts and vitamin C. Harvesting the root while young is preferred and can be roasted and grounded to use like coffee.
'Sonchus', the name given sow thistle by the Romans, is Latin for ''hollow'' referring to the plant's hollow stems.
'Arvensis' refers to the plants affinity for cultivated areas.they are sometimes called Hare Thistles
Perennial sowthistle, they are sometimes called Hare Thistles are said to be a favourite of rabbits. It was believed predators can not disturb a rabbit sitting beneath the plant.
Perennial Sow-thistle - Sonchus arvensis
It got the name Sow Thistle from the fact that when cut the plant exudes a latex like milk which was believed to help lactation in mothering sows.
The leaves, flowers and roots are edible. These are best consumed when the plant is young because the older it gets the more bitter it becomes. Once it becomes bitter you can cook with it or mix it with pleasant tasting greens. Leaf spines need to be removed. The leaves are rich in mineral salts and vitamin C. Harvesting the root while young is preferred and can be roasted and grounded to use like coffee.
'Sonchus', the name given sow thistle by the Romans, is Latin for ''hollow'' referring to the plant's hollow stems.
'Arvensis' refers to the plants affinity for cultivated areas.they are sometimes called Hare Thistles
Perennial sowthistle, they are sometimes called Hare Thistles are said to be a favourite of rabbits. It was believed predators can not disturb a rabbit sitting beneath the plant.