Having trouble finding a species ID for a thistle - Ask Extension
Hello, on a recent survey to a Tillamook River marsh we found what we thought was a sowthistle but no one at our office has seen one like this and I c...
Knowledgebase
Having trouble finding a species ID for a thistle #872730
Asked June 12, 2024, 12:08 AM EDT
Hello, on a recent survey to a Tillamook River marsh we found what we thought was a sowthistle but no one at our office has seen one like this and I can’t find any references. This has long, curly purple stems and just seems weird enough that we are wondering if it’s a prickle sow thistle still. Please see the attached photo and give us a hand! Thank you
Tillamook County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Erica - This plant is Sonchus asper (Prickly Sowthistle).
I showed your photo to Dr. James Bickley, Curator of the herbarium at Oregon State.
Here is his response - "Yes, this is Sonchus asper. The prickly leaves clasping the stem is a dead giveaway.
The color red in plants usually just signifies anthocyanins: plant pigments that are very common. They have many roles, one of which is sort of acting like plant sunscreen, so plants in full sun often redden. They are also sort of protective in cases of plant stress, which could be caused by any number of factors.
The coiled stems are a bit strange but doesn't mean it's a different species. Maybe herbicide exposure?"
Thanks for sharing your photo with us.
I showed your photo to Dr. James Bickley, Curator of the herbarium at Oregon State.
Here is his response - "Yes, this is Sonchus asper. The prickly leaves clasping the stem is a dead giveaway.
The color red in plants usually just signifies anthocyanins: plant pigments that are very common. They have many roles, one of which is sort of acting like plant sunscreen, so plants in full sun often redden. They are also sort of protective in cases of plant stress, which could be caused by any number of factors.
The coiled stems are a bit strange but doesn't mean it's a different species. Maybe herbicide exposure?"
Thanks for sharing your photo with us.
