A waxy sowthistle type ID please

[alindsay]

Is this a waxy version of the Corn (perennial) Sowthistle?





If so, how can such an obvious difference, such as waxy leaves, which must be evolved by a different process (as per the Bladder Campion of my last post) not be a variant species, when it doesn't take much for other plants to be given recognition for their differences ie Hawkweeds/Eyebrights/Fumitorys or even Orchids?

[King Edward]

Looks like ordinary Perennial Sowthistle to me. I can't comment on the waxiness, but most species are inherently variable. There is apparently a glabrous form called S. arvensis subsp. [I}uliginosus[/i], but I don't yours is that since I can see the usual glandular hairs on the flower heads.

[alindsay]

It was the paleness of the leaves that made them look more waxy than a normal Sowthistle leaf and threw me off the scent.

Thanks for the advice and I shall be beware of colour variations in future.