The unusual "Tree Sonchus" - Sonchus canariensis - is found nowhere else except the Canary Islands off the coast of North Africa.  This wacky, palm tree shaped Daisy relative grows 8 feet tall, looking like a plant from a Dr. Seuss book!  Its fern-like foliage and tall stature makes it a bold focal point in the garden.  Another picture of the plant is here.  The Tree Sonchus is rarely seen in cultivation, and fresh seeds are extremely hard to find.

Sonchus canariensis is a woody, perennial species with an upright growth habit.  I prefer to grow it with a single, tall, tree-like stem, although you may encourage multiple stems by pruning the top of the main stem.  Each spring and summer, the plant forms huge heads of dandelion-like flowers at the tops of the branches.  Each branch can have over 100 of these lemon-yellow blooms, which are a favorite of honey bees.  This is a non-invasive species.  The leaves are reportedly edible, and tasty when cooked.

The plant comes from a Mediterranean climate, with mild temperatures all year, and nights that are cool.  I have no information on how much heat it can take, but it's possible that it will decline if temperatures consistently rise above the mid-80s (30°C), especially if nights are warm.  The plant tends to go dormant during the warm summer months, during which time it may be moved indoors to a cool spot.  Protect it from temperatures below 30° F (-1°C).  It prefers full sun during the growing season.  It likes well-draining soil and regular watering when young.  Mature plants are quite drought tolerant if given ample root space.  Over about 40% humidity is recommended.

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