Photo of Sonchus brassicifolius foliage, form by Daderot

Photo by Daderot

This work has been released into the public domain by its author.

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Sonchus brassicifolius

Also Known As

  • Dendroseris litoralis
  • Robinson Crusoe Cabbage Tree

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 6'-10'
  • W: 3'-5'

planting zones

  • 9b-11

More Options

Sonchus brassicifolius plant details

Sonchus brassicifolius is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. orange flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Does well in well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Sonchus brassicifolius

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT - 5 FT - wide, 6 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: orange blooms
Uses: big leaves, endangered

GROWING CONDITIONS for Sonchus brassicifolius

USDA Zones: 9b - 11
Sun exposure: mostly shade - shade
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Scarcely any of these striking plants exist in the wild! Big beautiful, rubbery leaves over 1’ across, golden dandelion-like flowers the size of silver dollars & a towering persona make this succulent stemmed shrub a marvel. We’d want it even if it wasn’t nearly extinct - but the fact that it is makes us want to share its awesomeness even more. Spectacular foliage features super thick paddlesque glossy leaves with strong veining. In the wild, it needs protection from development. In your home garden, it needs protection from frost, strong wind & weather. Prefers a well drained root run, either in a huge pot or planted on a mound. Grows FAST to a max of 10’ high, slightly less wide, but will stay around 6’ here by the Bay. Native to The Juan Fernandez Islands off the coast of Chile, this plant NEEDS a cool mild climate to thrive. Bees & hummingbirds adore the blooms.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Sonchus brassicifolius plant

How to Grow Sonchus brassicifolius

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly shade - shade
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • orange
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • hummingbirds
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy

See other plant types of Sonchus for your garden

aka Cerraja

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

9b-11

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 3'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • low
Photo of Sonchus acaulis form by Danger Garden
View Plant

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 4'-6'

Width: 3'-5'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - low
Photo of Sonchus fruticosus flower, form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 9'

Width: 3'

  • drought tolerant
Photo of Sonchus arboreus flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

aka Sow Thistle, Tree Dandelion, Tree Sonchus

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

8b-11

Size

Height: 8'-11'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Sonchus canariensis by Danger Garden
View Plant

More Options

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 4'-7'

Width: 4'-7'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Sonchus congestus by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

+2 more Sonchus
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