Sow Thistle, or Sonchus oleraceus,  is a common weed all over Central Texas in the early spring.  It is in the Asteraceae family, related to Dandelion, and Artichoke.  Sonchus is thought of as an “invasive” naturalized weed and likes to take over yards and gardens. I love to eat it by collecting the tops and cooking it in a cast iron skillet with some oil and salt.  Every bud tastes like a tiny little artichoke as it bursts in your mouth