Table of Contents
- Edible Uses of Sow Thistle
- Medicinal Uses of Sow Thistle
- Alternative Uses of Hare’s Lettuce
- Growing Sonchus SPP.
Sow thistle (Sonchus spp.) is not a true thistle and also non-native here. Sometimes mistakenly called milk thistle, sow thistles are another edible and medicinal plant to gobble up or feed to the pigs.
Sow thistles in these parts include field sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis), spiny-leaved sow thistle (Sonchus asper), common sow-thistle (Sonchus oleraceus), and sow-thistle (Sonchus uliginosus). Here’s a picture of the “prickly” or spiny-leaved variety (Sonchus asper):
Edible Uses of Sow Thistle
The Latin name meaning for common sow thistle, S. oleraceus, refers to this plant as an “edible vegetable”. This has been especially true to the taste buds of various livestock. You can eat this rabbit food too.
If you know of a patch you can pick new leaves when the plant is only a few inches tall. Young leaves can be added to mixed wild salads or used like chard. Since they are usually bitter a change of water can help. Older leaves are especially bitter and tough. And of course if you’re harvesting the prickly variety these spines need to be removed.
Medicinal Uses of Sow Thistle
Sow thistle is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Integumentary
Medicinal tags include Astringent and Diuretic. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage includes the milky juice used the same as dandelion (a close relation) and succory, for skin ailments. Perhaps try it out on a pimple! Though dandelion is much more accessible.
Alternative Uses of Hare’s Lettuce
If you know anyone with pigs or rabbits, they’ll love the treat. (Make sure you’re not accidentally giving them wild lettuce!)
Growing Sonchus SPP.
Sow thistles are nonnative here in Ontario, Canada. But we have native sunflowers and daisies that would make great additions to gardens. Much closer in appearance and use, we also have some native lettuces like Canada lettuce (Lactuca canadensis).
WARNINGS
May contain toxic levels of nitrates, so consume in moderation.
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
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REFERENCES
My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: of Eastern and Central North America (The Sam Thayer’s Field Guides) Paperback – June 1, 2023 and this plant IS featured as one of the edible wild plants in this area. I highly recommend this guide for your bookshelves!
Sonchus Linnaeus – Database of Vascular Plants of Canada (VASCAN)
Edible and Medicinal Plants of Canada
Field Guide to North American Edible Wild Plants (Out of Print)