is sow thistle the same as milk thistle??

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This topic has 2sd replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 7 months ago by caitlin.

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- 05/02/2020 at 3:58 PM
  caitlin
  Participant
  20 posts
  hi, my bunny loves sow thistle, she’s been eating the prickly kind (but i cut off the spikes just in case) and i want to start growing some. when i look for seeds, i only find milk thistle seeds, are they the same? if not, is milk thistle still safe for rabbits?
- 05/02/2020 at 4:23 PM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9054 posts
  My buns love sow thistle too, prickles and all! The common names of sow and milk thistle seem to be mixed up some times, but milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a different species in the same Family (sow thistle is Sonchus arvensis). I see reports of people feeding it to bunnies online, but seems to be mostly for some medicinal properties on the liver. I also see (on wikipedia) that it is toxic to cattle and sheep due to high nitrate content.
  
  To make sure you get the seeds you want, try searching with the scientific names to avoid the confusion between the common names. My impression is that its not toxic, but with the medicinal properties and high nitrates I wouldn’t feed it as a staple?
  
  Dandelions are very closely related to sow thistle and the seeds are easy to find, so might be a better option to grow at home. 🙂 Narrow and broad-leaf plantain is another easy to find and grow edible weed.
  
  . . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
- 05/02/2020 at 6:42 PM
  caitlin
  Participant
  20 posts
  ah, thank you so much!💝
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