pūhā

Sonchus kirkii | pūhā, shore pūhā, New Zealand sow thistle

 

A fast-growing herb with large, fleshy green leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers, followed by fluffy, wind-dispersed seed heads. It is commonly found in open, disturbed and coastal situations, and its tender foliage is edible when young. The plant establishes quickly and thrives in exposed or cultivated ground. Found throughout New Zealand in gardens, disturbed ground and waste land. Each plant can produce up to 25,000 seeds, which are spread by the wind and can travel long distances, allowing it to colonise new sites rapidly.