Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Family
Medicine - The plant have insecticidal properties. Iti is used as a good companion for onions, tomatoes, corn as well as the cucumber and squash family.
Temperate Eurasia
Thrives in disturbed areas like fields, pastures, roadsides, and wastelands. Tolerant of various soil conditions.
It is erect perennial herb often forming dense patches. Stems can reach 100-150 cm in height.
Stem is hollow, cylindrical, and branched near the top. Covered with short, stiff hairs. Milky sap present.
Leaves are alternate, clasping, with spiny margins. Lower leaves are large, up to 30 cm long, deeply lobed. Upper leaves are smaller, less lobed.
Flowers are bright yellow, daisy-like flower heads in clusters. Each head is about 2-3 cm wide.
Fruit is achene (seeds) with a pappus of white hairs for wind dispersal.
Flowering: Summer-Autumn.