Corn sow-thistle, Sonchus arvensis

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Corn sow-thistle, Sonchus arvensis

Corn sow-thistle, Sonchus arvensis. Handcoloured copperplate engraving after a drawing by James Sowerby for James Smiths English Botany, 1799

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 23202986

© Florilegius/Mary Evans

Arvensis Corn Sowerby Smith Sonchus Sow Thistle

EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisite hand-colored copperplate engraving depicts the Corn Sow-thistle, Sonchus arvensis, a common weed found in fields and roadsides throughout Europe and North America. The image is based on a drawing by the renowned English botanist and artist, James Sowerby, for James Smith's English Botany, published in 1799. The Corn Sow-thistle is a member of the daisy family, Asteraceae, and is characterized by its prickly, lobed leaves and distinctive, yellow, daisy-like flowers. The plant is often mistaken for the edible sow thistle, Sonchus oleraceus, but the Corn Sow-thistle is not fit for consumption due to its bitter taste and milky sap. The intricate detail in this botanical illustration highlights the beauty and complexity of the Corn Sow-thistle's form. The delicate veining on the leaves and the intricately patterned flowers are rendered with remarkable accuracy and precision. The use of hand-coloring adds an additional layer of depth and vibrancy to the image, bringing the plant to life. Botanical illustrations like this one played an essential role in the development of natural history during the 18th and 19th centuries. They provided a detailed record of the natural world, facilitating the identification and classification of new species. The meticulous attention to detail and artistic skill required to create such illustrations made them highly valued objects in their own right, and they continue to be appreciated today for their aesthetic as well as scientific value.

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