Native Plants
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Lactuca biennis
Lactuca biennis (Moench) Fernald
Tall Blue Lettuce
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Synonym(s): Lactuca spicata, Lactuca spicata var. integrifolia, Mulgedium spicatum, Mulgedium spicatum var. integrifolium
USDA Symbol: LABI
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N), SPM (N)
The sap was said to heal pimples and other skin problems, and the leaves were applied to sooth stings. People with sensitive skin, however, may develop rashes from contact with lettuce sap. (Kershaw)
Some native people also used the roots in medicinal teas for stopping bleeding and treating diarrhea, nausea, pain and various heart and lung problems. (Kershaw)
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Annual , BiennialHabit: Herb
Root Type: Tap
Flower:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , BlueBloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: AK , CA , CO , CT , DC , DE , IA , ID , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MT , NC , ND , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OR , PA , RI , SD , TN , UT , VA , VT , WA , WI , WV , WYCanada: AB , BC , MB , NB , NL , NS , ON , PE , QC , SK , YT
Native Habitat: Forest Edge
Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium , HighLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Wet
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesFind Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FACU | FAC | FACU | FAC | FAC | FAC | FAC |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Additional resources
USDA: Find Lactuca biennis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Lactuca biennis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Lactuca biennis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-06-20Research By: TWC Staff