This native, perennial form of the Sow Thistle is found mainly in lowland areas in arable and waste land, but not is so common in gardens. It usually grows to a greater height than the annual Sow-thistles, reaching up to 1.5 metres. It can spread by means of creeping roots.
The upper leaves are hairless and deeply lobed with spines along the wavy edges.

Flowers from July to October, bright yellow with a diameter when open, of about 4cm. The base and stalk of the flower is covered with dense, yellow hairs.
Height - up to 90 cm.
It is easily uprooted, but the remaining roots can regrow, though it does not survive repeated pulling or mowing .
Weedkillers Paraquat, Diquat kills the topgrowth on contact.
Glyphosate, with systemic action kills the whole plant.

Also the Smooth Sow-thistle and Prickly Sow-thistles have similar lower leaves and bright yellow flowers.

Follow these links for further details on Weeds, Weed Removal and Weed Prevention.