Photographs: Co. Cork and Co. Limerick

Perennial Sow-thistle Sonchus arvensis Bleachtán léana Family: Asteraceae Flowering time: July-October. Perennial. Native. Clusters of golden-yellow flowers with gland-tipped hairs on stems and involucres, the flowers larger than those of other Sow-thistles. The stem-clasping grey-green leaves are alternate, pinnate and toothed with slightly spiny margins. Spreads by a rhizomatous rootstock and can form large patches. Height 80-150cm Frequent on waste and cultivated ground, roadsides, coastal sand and shingle beaches throughout Ireland

Perennial Sow-thistle, Sonchus arvensis, Bleachtán léana