Common sowthistle is a noxious weed in Illinois. The Illinois Noxious Weed law mandates that each landowner controls the spread of and/or eradicates this plant from their land. Common sowthistle has rhizomes that grow horizontally underground and allow the plant to spread further. It also has the ability to spread by seed. The plant’s seeds are dispersed by wind and water. It commonly grows in grasslands and disturbed areas. The plant was most likely unintentionally introduced from Eurasia, but today it can be found throughout much of the West, Midwest, and Northeast regions of the United States.
Common sowthistle’s numerous seeds allow for a rapid spread into natural habitats. Additionally, the plant thrives in cultivated areas and can take away from space and nutrients designated for the growth of agricultural crops. It causes economic losses in agricultural crops as yields are reduced and more money needs to be spent on management of this weed.
As an alternative, early goldenrod (Solidago juncea)is a good option. There are a number of native and non-native species that could be used in place of common sowthistle. More desirable species may be found using the online Search Trees and Plants page of the Arboretum website. Before purchasing or planting, be sure to check for any local or state guidelines on this species, and ensure that this plant is suitable for its habitat by checking its attributes at mortonarb.org or plants.usda.gov.
- Family (English) Aster
- Family (botanic) Asteraceae
- Tree or plant type Perennial
- Hardiness zones Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7
