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.
typical habitat.
coastal scrub
cliff faces
dunes
drainage.
moist
well drained
free draining
sun.
full sun
mature specifications.
height | 40cm
width | 50cm
pollinators calendar.
flowering | August - April
fruiting | September - June
did you know?
Pork and pūhā has been a familiar pairing since Captain Cook released pigs In New Zealand. Their rapid spread has had lasting ecological impacts, contributing to forest damage and the decline of some native species, ncluding native Sonchus kirkii, now largely displaced by weeds. Ppūhā is a non-prickly native thistle traditionally eaten by Māori for its health benefits, being rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and iron.