Sonchus asper is an annual or biennial herb sometimes reaching a height of 200 centimetres (6.6 ft) with spiny leaves and yellow flowers resembling those of the dandelion.

[5][6] Sonchus asper is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia.

It has also become naturalized on other continents and is regarded as a noxious, invasive weed in many places.

Its edible leaves make a palatable and nutritious leaf vegetable.

[7][8][9][10][11] It is found in cultivated soil, pastures, roadsides, edges of yards, vacant lots, construction sites, waste areas and in grasslands.