Sonchus acaulis

Also Known As

Cerraja

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 3'-4'
W: 3'

planting zones

9b-11

Sonchus acaulis plant details

Sonchus acaulis is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with green foliage. In fall and summer yellow flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and low water. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Sonchus acaulis

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in fall and summer
Uses: long-blooming, medicinal, serrated leaves, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Sonchus acaulis

USDA Zones: 9b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

I love Sonchus! It is such a kooky plant. It basically looks like a dandelion on steroids. Native to the Canary Islands, home of many odd & wonderful plants, Sonchus acaulis grows a rosette of leaves that can get to be 3’ across with a thick woody base. The foliage is deeply lobed & fern-like. The plant grows to about 3-4’ tall & sprouts a 4-5’ tall flower spike in Spring/Summer. Each spike has many bright yellow “dandelion” flowers. Each flower is about 1-2” wide. In its native habitat it can be seen growing as an epiphyte on the trunk of the Canary Island Date Palm. So, obviously, it would like good drainage & does fine with low water. Plant parts can be combined with massage oil to “relax and dissolve emotions.” Very showy foliage and flowers.