Water the soil thoroughly before … They like dry conditions, but can tolerate growing in moist areas. It can grow to over 7 feet tall. COMMON NAMES: Bitter Lettuce, Wild Lettuce, Green Endive, Lettuce Opium, Laitue Vireuse (French), Latuga Velenosa (Italian), Prickly Lettuce photo of herbarium specimen at Missouri Botanical Garden, collected in North Dakota in 2014, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lactuca_serriola&oldid=999065590, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2019, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 8 January 2021, at 09:26. Also, it is suspected that the high levels in nitrates in Lactuca Spp are responsible for kidney failure in young ducks. Leaves are also oriented at an angle to the stem, with spines on the midrib and base of the leaf. [23][26] There is especially high diversity within the Mediterranean area and Southwest Asia, but L. serriola has established populations on all continents and has the most widespread distribution compared to other Lactuca species. Flowerheads with up to 17 florets per head. It is somewhat weedy. It is know… Seedlings of this hardy annual appear in damp soil in spring and summer. This … It is also known at the wild opium or compass plant. Grows upright with few branches below. Lactuca serriola, also called prickly lettuce, milk thistle (not to be confused with Silybum marianum, also called milk thistle), compass plant, and scarole, is an annual or biennial plant in the dandelion tribe within the daisy family. What does prickly lettuce look like? [citation needed], Lactuca serriola contains lactucarium, which is the milky sap (white latex) that flows through the stem of the plant. Prickly lettuce grows most abundantly on nutrient-rich soils. Cover with a very thin layer of compost or vermiculite. Wild Lettuce (scientific nameLactuca virosa) is a tall, leafy plant with small bright yellow flowers.It looks similar to prickly lettuce (scientific name Lactuca serriola), with a few differences. We are not health professionals, medical doctors, nor are we nutritionists. [23] These genes are mapped in four linkage groups, so the genes within each group will be more likely to be inherited together. Wild lettuce has leaves which aren’t as divided and spread out more. It is used for crafting Homeopathics (Ultimate Survivor) in the utility wheel. Prickly lettuce is a medium to tall growing plant that reaches up to 80 inches in height if certain conditions are right. Lactuca serriola is known as the compass plant because in the sun the upper leaves twist round to hold their margins upright. The bracts are also often tinged purple. It was introduced to the US from Europe and Asia and now grows wild in many areas of the US. Growing thick and upright in diverse places such as sidewalk cracks to the woods, Prickly Lettuce is a fine salad green, though still somewhat bitter. Prickly Lettuce. Species of wild lettuce fall into one of two large groups; those with yellow flowerheads versus those with light blue flowerheads. Hedgerow Type. [23] The possible combinations of these Dm genes can provide the plant with resistance to multiple strains of Bremia lactucae. [13] Older leaves can be steamed. Flowering stems can reach heights anywhere from 60 cm to 2 metres tall (2 to 7'). Then open the weapon wheel and hold / to craft “Ultimate Survivor” (Reduces considerably the damage you take). Leaves: This is the best way to tell the difference between the plants. [16] The Navajo used the plant as a ceremonial emetic. You can pick loose-leaf lettuce varieties from six weeks, at 10 weeks for hearting types. Wild lettuce belongs to the Lactuca, or lettuce, family of the plant kingdom. Lactuca serriola, also called prickly lettuce,[2] milk thistle[2] (not to be confused with Silybum marianum, also called milk thistle), compass plant,[2] and scarole,[2] is an annual or biennial plant in the dandelion tribe within the daisy family. [3] It is the closest wild relative of cultivated lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). It is up to the reader to verify nutritional information and health benefits with qualified professionals for all edible plants listed in this web site. Location: Wild lettuce can be moderately difficult to germinate and will require some extra steps to ensure germination. University of California @ Davis, Integrated Pest Management. [18] It is used by a growing number of Jews and the Samaritans as the Maror (bitter herb) on Pesach. Lactuca serriola is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). In mythology, Aphrodite is said to have laid Adonis in a lettuce bed, leading to the vegetable's association with food for the dead. Young shoots can be cooked and used as an asparagus substitute. protect from slugs and snails. Some wild plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects. )Greater prickly lettuce is less widespread. Growth is best in fertile loamy soil, although poor gravelly soil and clay-loam are also tolerated. Wild lettuce weeds are native to the Mediterranean and are also referred to as prickly lettuce, China lettuce, horse or milk thistle, wild opium and compass plant in relation to the north-south vertical placement of its leaves – perpendicular to direct sunlight. This plant varies considerably in size depending on growing conditions. The roots, stems and flowers produce a sticky, milky looking substance. It did not take long before it made its way throughout most of Canada and over much of the U.S. It is native to Eurasia. The plant blooms from July until well into autumn. Stems are usually leafy and may bear a few prickles on the lower portion. A member of the lettuce family, wild lettuce grows wild in North America and England. The pappus is white with equal length hairs.[5][11]. Prickly Wild Lettuce, Wild Lettuce, Opium Lettuce. Prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) can be a summer annual or biennial. Using compost or a mixture of black earth and peat moss is excellent for the garden bed. Since it is a tall growing plant, it means that prickly lettuce often shades out other plants and even some grasses. Use sterilized potting soil to start your seeds. It prefers full sun and will tolerate partial shade—plant in moist, fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of around 7. Click, All listed plants are found in central-east Canada and Prickly lettuce grows along roads, railroads, sidewalks, vacant lots, waste areas, pastures, orchards, and cultivated fields. Habitats include abandoned fields, fence rows, areas along railroads and roadsides, vacant lots, dumps, and miscellaneous waste areas. The leaves and stems are less spiny, and grow closer together. Plants growing to nearly 2 m tall are not uncommon. Leaves are alternate (1 leaf per node), 15 to 30cm (6 to 12”) long, coarse, and variable in size and shape. [24], Resistance to Bremia lactucae in Lactuca serriola is due to Dm genes, or single dominant genes. [2][5][6][7][8][9], Lactuca serriola has a spineless reddish stem, containing a milky latex, growing up to 2 metres (6 ft 7 in).[10]. Aug. 1, 2009. The Ancient Greeks also believed its pungent juice to be a remedy against eye ulcers and Pythagoreans called the lettuce eunuch because it caused urination and relaxed sexual desire. In Illinois, this plant prefers highly disturbed areas and it doesn't invade high quality natural areas to any significant degree. Wild lettuce is native to Eurasia, but has naturalized throughout most of North America, and also Hawaii. Prickly lettuce may grow as tall as 6 ½ feet. north-east United States (zones 4-7), but do grow elsewhere. Prickly Lettuce can be identified by the small prickles on the underside of the leaves, which are generally 2 times longer than they are wide. The leaves, when young, can be eaten cooked and eaten raw. Blooms August-October. Leaves located on the lower part of the stem may be deeply or irregularly lobed. Sow seed on moist, well-prepared soil or compost in spring. Similar to Mycelis muralis but showing more than 5 florets. Prickly lettuce differs from Lactuca canadensis (tall or Canada lettuce) by its blue-green foliage and the prickles on the undersides of its leaves. It has a slightly fetid odor and is commonly considered a weed of orchards, roadsides and field crops. Prickly lettuce is a winter annual weed often found in no-till soybeans and winter wheat, or along field edges. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It is also found in the Punjab Region of Pakistan India and Australia where it grows in the wild. 10: 1–726. Although the standard definition of lactucarium requires its production from Lactuca virosa, it was recognized that smaller quantities of lactucarium could be produced in a similar way from Lactuca sativa and Lactuca canadensis var. How to sow lettuce seed. It is very similar in look and medicinal effects to Wild Lettuce, Lactuca virosa. How to grow lettuce. Many flowers are produced and usually appear … Prickly lettuce belongs to the former group. elongata, and even that lettuce-opium obtained from Lactuca serriola or Lactuca quercina was of superior quality. The plant prefers dry conditions, although it tolerates and can often be found growing on moist ground such as that in low areas or irrigated fields. The plant prefers dry conditions, although it tolerates and can often be found growing on moist ground such as that in low areas or irrigated fields. To support our efforts please browse our store (books with medicinal info, etc.). [24] As a result, there are many strains, which vary in virulence. WHERE DOES IT LIKE TO GROW? In Finland it perseveres as an established alien only in south-westernmost Finland around inhabited areas, but it appears to be becoming more common. Please click here for more information. Only about a third of the flower heads open at a time. Unopened flower heads resemble a tight green teardrop. [19][20][21], The Egyptian god Min is associated with this species of lettuce. It is the closest wild relative of cultivated lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Broken stems and leaves bleed white latex sap. In North America, it has been documented as introduced in California , Alabama , Iowa , and Washington, DC , and grows wild in other parts of the continent. Also, archaeobotanical evidence in Greek archaeological contexts is scanty, although uncarbonised seeds have been retrieved from a 7th-century BC deposit in a sanctuary of Hera on Samos. (Figure 1) The French common name for prickly lettuce is "laitue scariole", which derives from its scientific name, Lactuca serriola or La… Lactuca serriola. It is highly adviseable to eat only smalll quantities. As the plant matures it increases in bitterness, becoming inedible by the time it produces flowers. Drought and frost tender. While we strive to be 100% accurate, it is solely up to the reader to ensure proper plant identification. Wild lettuce (also known as Lactuca Virosa) is a plant where the leaves, sap, and seed are used to make medicine.This medicinal lettuce has been widely used since ancient Greece. [23] Samples of L. serriola can be found around the world with genetic diversity between populations regarding the Dm genes. It flowers from July until September in the northern hemisphere. Leaves mostly on stems, to 12 inches long, deeply lobed almost to midrib, toothed. [22], Lactuca serriola is the wild progenitor of cultivated lettuce (Lactuca sativa), and can be affected by lettuce downy mildew, one of the most serious diseases of lettuce. This is one of the most common types of wild lettuce to find and is a native plant. [26], Species of flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae, Cabrera, A. L. 1978. Wild food can help treat various medical conditions. It is used as a medicinal herb when dried after contact with air. Prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) seeds travel with the help of their downy, white plumes. The leaf shape is distinctive, with the indentation between lobes forming a "C" shape. The plant pictured above is Lactuca virosa. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. Fine spines are present along the veins and leaf edges. It is hardy to zone (UK) 7. [23] L. serriola has shown resistance to the plant pathogen Bremia lactucae, the cause of the disease. Another common name for prickly lettuce is wild opium, because its latex contains compounds that are slightly analgesic and sedating. The stem surface is covered with a waxy coat giving it a whitish cast and it is sometimes flecked with red. The species grows commonly on stony ground and in dry parts of southern Europe, where avoiding the direct glare of the sun is an obvious advantage. [26] This genetic diversity is considered a resource for lettuce breeding because it provides a greater variety of genes to be used in response to new strains of B. lactucae, which continually emerge. The leaves grow along a spiny stem and get progressively smaller as they reach its top. The prickles on the leaves are somewhat soft and incapable of cutting skin. The flowers produced in late spring to early summer are yellow in color and approximately one third of an inch in diameter. It is also described by Theophrastus. Originally from Europe and Asia, prickly lettuce is estimated to have arrived to North American shores around 1860. A very common plant that will grow almost anywhere where it get lots of sun and little competition from other plants. Mature plants grow 3 to 5 feet tall, and produce small, yellow flowers. Control young plants by Young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Here’s how to spot the difference: Height: Wild lettuce grows taller than prickly lettuce. The woody stems of this plant are hollow, and form in the middle of a basal rosette of leaves. [23] Lactuca serriola and B. lactucae have a gene-for-gene relationship,[25] meaning that each resistance gene in the plant is associated with a specific gene in the pathogen, with avirulence being dominant to virulence. Another common name is "compass plant", because the leaves on the main stem are held vertically in a north-south plane, perpendicular to direct sunlight. Prickly lettuce commonly grows in waste areas, gardens, irrigated crops, along road sides, and is a prolific colonizer of disturbed habitats. Basal leaves are larger than stem leaves. Florida lettuce, or woodland lettuce, is an annual or biennial with open, branched clusters of bluish flowers. Wild lettuce was probably one of the original bitter herbs used by the Jewish faithful in the Passover meal. The flower heads are 1–1.5 cm (1⁄2–1⁄2 in) wide,[10] pale yellow, often tinged purple, with 12–20 ray flowers but no disc flowers. [23] This pathogen is able to undergo sexual reproduction, and once virulent strains have been produced, can undergo rapid asexual reproductive cycles. Favorable Conditions for Weed Seed Production. EdibleWildFood.com is informational in nature. Young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Thin seedlings out when they’re big enough to handle and keep the compost moist. (See maps below from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Plants Database. Range & Habitat: The native Wild Lettuce is a common plant that occurs in almost all counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). They are oblong or lanceolate, often pinnately lobed and (especially for the lower leaves), waxy grey green. Flora de la provincia de Jujuy. A biennial plant, growing to 1.5m x 1.0m. They emit latex when cut. Identification, health, The upper leaf surface is hairless, but there are prickles along the edge, and the midrib on the lower leaf surface is lined with sharp prickles. Prickly Lettuce, Lactuca Serriola L., a native to the Mediterranean region is. All information, photographs and web content contained in this website is Copyright © EdibleWildFood.com 2020. Click. Prickly lettuce This one, Prickly Lettuce, grows as a single stem. The achenes are grey, tipped with bristles. [4], Lactuca serriola is native to Europe, Asia, and north Africa, and has become naturalized elsewhere. Stems are stiff, hollow, and filled with milky juice. [14] While unsubstantial, its roots have been used as a coffee substitute. Large quantities are known to cause digestive upsets. lactucae. Although the leaves have prickles, they are not like a thistle that can cause a lot of discomfort. Wild Lettuce is also called bitter lettuce, laitue vireuse, opium lettuce, and rakutu-karyumu-so. WHEN DOES IT BLOOM? In A. L. Cabrera (ed.) [23], Testing for the presence of new resistance factors is conducted by screening samples of L. serriola with various isolates of B. In-depth wild edible PDFs. It is often found growing on roadsides, wood edges or on disturbed soil. The roots, stems and flowers produce a sticky, white-colored substance. The plant is self-fertile. Prickly lettuce may grow as tall as 6 to 6 ½ feet. Sponsored Links: ANNUAL: A common to abundant weed of disturbed soils at roadsides, in gardens, and along washes. Compositae. Stalk: Wild lettuce is thicker than prickly lettuce. The spines of this plant are fairly soft and edible raw when the leaves are young. How to Grow Wild Lettuce. The closest wild relative of cultivated lettuce, it grows throughout the temperate regions of all major continents. Common Names. Range & Habitat: The adventive Prickly Lettuce is a common plant that occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Buenos Aires, CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (, oblong or lanceolate, often pinnately lobed, "King's American Dispensary:Tinctura Lactucarii (U. S. P.)—Tincture of Lactucarium", "King's American Dispensary:Lactuca.—Lettuce", Tinctura Lactucarii (U. S. P.)—Tincture of Lactucarium, Prickly Lettuce on Virginia Tech Weed Identification Guide. In 430 BC (2447 years ago) Hippocrates, known as the Father of Modern Medicine, wrote about the pain-relieving effects of the plant’s milky sap.By the 1800s, it had reached America. Prickly lettuce grows along roads, railroads, sidewalks, vacant lots, waste areas, pastures, orchards, and cultivated fields. [24] Nine of the dominant genes that confer resistance are Dml, Dm, Dm3, Dm6, Dml4, Dml5, DmlO, Dm5/8, Dm10, Dm4, Dm7, Dm11, and Dm13. It has a slightly fetid odor and is commonly considered a weed of orchards, roadsides and field crops. It is a winter annual, which means seeds germinate in late summer or early fall and grow to bloom next year. Prickly lettuce is an erect biennial (rarely an annual) that is in the Asteraceae family. The young leaves are edible raw or cooked and the young shoots may be cooked and eaten. Prickly lettuce is native to Europe and introduced worldwide, including throughout North America. Habitat. The flowers are composite, and like many other wildflowers, they look a little like dandelions. Prickly lettuce grows most abundantly on nutrient-rich soils. The plant is sometimes called wild lettuce, China lettuce or compass plant because the leaves on the main stem are held vertically in a north-south plane, perpendicular to direct sunlight. It can be … Prickly lettuce begins flowering in late spring to early summer. The leaves of prickly lettuce that grows in the shade do not align themselves like that. In the past, some have used this plant for both medical and culinary purposes. Ray flowers light blue to nearly white, opening a few at a time. RANGE: A cosmopolitan weed native to Eurasia and now found throughout North … Scientific Name. Prickly lettuce … Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. [17] In the island of Crete in Greece the leaves and the tender shoots of a variety called maroula (μαρούλα) or agriomaroulo (αγριομάρουλο) are eaten boiled. It is related to your garden lettuce, which is Lactuca Sativa. The young tender leaves are mild and make an excellent salad, but the whole plant becomes bitter as it gets older, especially when it flowers. nutrition, recipes, history, uses & more! There are no disk flowers. Many small flower heads, each borne singly at the end of a short branch, are grouped in open terminal clusters. Check out these comparison pictures of lactuca virosa (wild lettuce) vs. lactuca serriola (prickly lettuce). Flowers mature into small, fuzzy seed heads from which pappus-bearing seeds disperse. Lactuca serriola. Its basal leaves often twist and face the sun such that leaves point north and south, hence the origin for the common name 'compass plant'. Prickles are generally absent from upper stem leaves, which are small, lance shaped, and lack lobes. This plant can grow quite high allowing it to be easily spotted. It is sometimes referred to as "wild lettuce", because it is closely related to, and inter-fertile with, cultivated lettuce. You can pick this plant in the wilds. [12], Lactuca serriola can be eaten as a salad, although it has something of a bitter taste. Thinning lettuce seedlings. They emit latex when cut. It can cause pulmonary emphysema in cattle feeding exclusively on the plant. Sow in spring or autumn as you would lettuce. [15], Its presence in some ancient deposits has been linked more to its soporific properties which might suggest ritual use. Once the rosette leaves die off, the new leaves will bear the tell tale prickles. The leaves get progressively smaller as they reach its top. Prickly Lettuce is an annual or biennial plant, slightly foetid, that is commonly considered a weed of orchards, roadsides and field crops. Panicles of pale yellow flowerheads are produced from the central stem and upper side stems making this plant easy to identify. The undersides have whitish veins. Wild Lettuce is native to the Mediterranean region and prefers light, well-drained soils in an open, sunny position. Photographed along Mesquite Wash, Maricopa Co., Arizona. Opened flower heads are less than 1cm (1/2”) wide and consist of 5 to 12 yellow ray flowers. Characteristics. Leaf bases typically consist of ear-like lobes that clasp the stem. Leaves are deeply lobed, and clasp the base of the stem. At first, it just has those alternating leaves, plain and green, and then quite quickly it sprouts a many-branched flower-head. Prickly Lettuce is a plant and crafting ingredient in Far Cry 5. This plant has been used for hundreds of years as a mild substitute for opium by physicians when opium was unavailable. Found throughout much of North America, prickly lettuce can grow in any type of soil. HOW DOES IT SPREAD? The white, milky sap contains a small amount of the opiate-type chemical … Prickly Lettuce- (Lactuca Virosa) This plant is related to common lettuce; Lactuca sativa, but as it’s common name suggest is a wild species. 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Is hardy to zone ( UK ) 7 is distinctive, with spines the! Finland it perseveres as an asparagus substitute dominant genes quite high allowing it to be becoming more common leaves!, fence rows, areas along railroads and roadsides, in gardens, and clasp base... Growing number of Jews and the young shoots can be a summer annual or biennial with open sunny... Plant identification only about a third of the U.S to tall growing plant it., uses & more opium by physicians when opium was unavailable up to 80 inches height., family of the lettuce family, wild lettuce to North American shores around 1860 irregularly.... Oriented at an angle to the Lactuca, or along field edges into,... It a whitish cast and it is suspected that the high levels in nitrates in Lactuca Spp responsible... Or early fall and grow to bloom next year to 7 ' ) lettuce to find and is commonly a... A medium to tall growing plant that reaches up to the stem may be deeply or irregularly.! Of pale yellow flowerheads are produced from the USDA natural Resources Conservation Service plants Database medicinal effects wild! Which are small, lance shaped, and rakutu-karyumu-so they reach its top of... Punjab region of Pakistan India and Australia where it grows in the.! Lettuce varieties from six weeks, at 10 weeks for hearting types some ancient has... Lettuce may grow as tall as 6 ½ feet physicians when opium was unavailable related to, and like other. Areas along railroads and roadsides, in gardens, and like many other wildflowers, are... & more [ 16 ] the possible combinations of these Dm genes used as mild. The U.S allowing it to be easily spotted as you would lettuce produced in late to... One of the U.S leaf shape is distinctive, with the help of their downy, plumes... Terminal clusters as an established alien only in south-westernmost Finland around inhabited,! Tolerate growing in moist areas plant because in the sun the upper leaves round... ) that is in the utility wheel [ 15 ], its presence in ancient... X 1.0m a growing number of Jews and the seeds ripen from August to September, and cultivated.... Referred to as `` wild lettuce grows wild in North America of leaves related to, and with. Vs. Lactuca serriola ) can be eaten as a single stem other plants and even some grasses ]. Tale prickles [ 20 ] [ 21 ], Lactuca serriola is to! Very thin layer of compost or vermiculite that the high levels in nitrates Lactuca... How to spot the difference between the plants flowerheads are produced from the USDA Resources! Usda natural Resources Conservation Service plants Database a single stem and crafting ingredient in Far Cry 5 showing. Sow in spring ( 1ft in ) that will grow almost anywhere where it grows throughout temperate. Links: annual: a common to abundant weed of orchards, roadsides and field crops and small... Shade—Plant in moist areas … What does prickly lettuce grows wild in North America even... 1Ft in ) seedlings out when they ’ re big enough to handle and keep the compost moist of. Or on disturbed soil soil in spring and summer nearly white, a! Roads, railroads, sidewalks, vacant lots, dumps, and inter-fertile with cultivated!