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Lactuca canadensis (Canada lettuce)
Bengston, Bennie

Lactuca canadensis L.

Canada lettuce, Wild Lettuce

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Synonyms: Lactuca canadensis var. latifolia, Lactuca canadensis var. longifolia

USDA Symbol: LACA

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Tall plant with elongated cluster of small pale yellow flower heads; foliage exudes milky juice when crushed; slight bloom present on stem and leaves.

This rather large biennial is frequently found in disturbed sites. Its flowers are insignificant, and the leaves lack the spines of the similar Prickly Lettuce (L. scariola). Young leaves can be used in salads or as cooked greens, but have a slightly bitter taste.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Biennial
Habit: Herb
Root Type: Tap
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Margin: Lobed
Inflorescence: Panicle , Terminal
Flower: Flowers 1/3 inch
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Orange , Yellow
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CA , CO , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , ID , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NY , OH , OK , OR , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , UT , VA , VT , WA , WI , WV , WY
Canada: BC , MB , NB , NS , ON , PE , QC , SK
Native Distribution: Throughout much of North America, except far north.
Native Habitat: Clearings, thickets, and edges of woods.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low , Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade

Benefit

Use Food: Young leaves can be used in salads or as cooked greens, but have a slightly bitter taste. (Niering)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Fredericksburg Nature Center - Fredericksburg, TX

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Lactuca canadensis in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Lactuca canadensis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Lactuca canadensis

Metadata

Record Modified: 2010-06-17
Research By: TWC Staff

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