Sonchus tenerrimus
Sonchus tenerrimusfam. Asteraceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 12DF — Sonchus tenerrimus
Sonchus tenerrimusSonchus tenerrimusSonchus tenerrimusSonchus tenerrimusSonchus tenerrimusSonchus tenerrimusSonchus tenerrimusSonchus tenerrimusSonchus tenerrimusSonchus tenerrimusSonchus tenerrimusSonchus tenerrimusSonchus tenerrimusSonchus tenerrimus
IOverview
Overview
Sonchus tenerrimus, a member of the Asteraceae family and commonly known as slender sowthistle, is native to regions including Algeria, Azores, Baleares, Canary Islands, Corsica, Cyprus, East Aegean Islands, Egypt, Eritrea, France, Germany, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Madeira, Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, Portugal, Sardinia, Saudi Arabia, Selvagens, Sicily, Sinai, Spain, Sudan, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, and Yugoslavia. This plant is both edible and medicinal, with documented uses for its leaves. It thrives in light to partial sun, prefers moist conditions, and can grow in various soil types including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). Sonchus tenerrimus can be either annual or perennial, reaching a height of 0.8 meters.
Quick answers
What is Sonchus tenerrimus?
Sonchus tenerrimus, a member of the Asteraceae family and commonly known as slender sowthistle, is native to regions including Algeria, Azores, Baleares, Canary Islands, Corsica, Cyprus, East Aegean Islands, Egypt, Eritrea, France, Germany, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Lebanon-Syri
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Sonchus tenerrimus support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sonchus tenerrimus thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This plant is hardy in temperate regions and can grow up to 0.8 meters tall. It is both an annual and perennial, making it adaptable for various climates. For propagation, sow seeds directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Harvest its edible leaves throughout the growing season.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Mature size
0.8 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Sonchus tenerrimus for the first time
8steps
Start with simple soil and basic care for Skip, a light-loving annual that's easy to grow from seed.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, potting mix, containers, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost when soil is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil in a container with drainage holes. Containers should be at least 15 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep, spacing them about 30 cm apart. Alternatively, transplant young plants into the prepared containers.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Continue regular watering and ensure full sun exposure. Monitor for pests like aphids and slugs.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape. Harvest young leaves as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Sonchus tenerrimus are edible and can be consumed raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. They are often prepared by boiling to soften the texture before serving. Skip the use of this plant for tea.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe8 regions
native (8)CyprusFranceGermanyGreeceItalyPortugalSpainSwitzerland
Asia5 regions
native (5)IranIraqPakistanPalestineTurkey
Africa8 regions
native (8)AlgeriaEgyptEritreaLibyaMauritaniaMoroccoSudanTunisia
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Asteraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Asteraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 12df6071-a18a-4787-9f08-61a3a381607b
Decision aid
Choosing between Sonchus tenerrimus and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.