Sonchus arvensis can
be distinguished from other Sonchus spp. by the yellow glandular hairs
on the bracts below the flower heads. Leaves are lobed, toothed and somewhat spiny.
Flowers look like large dandelions. Plants can grow to a height of several feet.
Plants have a milky juice.
Compare to Sonchus oleraceus, which
has broader, deeply lobed leaves and lacks glandular hairs on the flower head
bracts.
Compare to Sonchus asper, which has spiny
leaves with large lobes clasping the stem and lacks glandular hairs on the flower
head bracts.
