description Prickly Lettuce Overview
Prickly lettuce, Lactuca serriola, is an annual or biennial herb in the daisy family, Asteraceae. Native to Eurasia, it has become naturalized in many other regions and commonly grows in disturbed ground, roadsides, fields, and other open habitats. The plant is related to cultivated lettuce, Lactuca sativa, and is often identified by its yellow flower heads and the prickly midrib found on the lower surface of its leaves.
help Prickly Lettuce FAQ
What is prickly lettuce?
Prickly lettuce is Lactuca serriola, an annual or biennial herb in the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is related to cultivated lettuce and is native to Eurasia.
Where does prickly lettuce grow?
Prickly lettuce commonly grows in disturbed ground, roadsides, fields, and other open habitats. It has become naturalized in many regions outside its original Eurasian range.
Is prickly lettuce related to garden lettuce?
Yes, prickly lettuce belongs to the same genus, Lactuca, as cultivated lettuce. It is a wild relative, but its leaves are typically more bitter and its prickly midrib makes it easy to distinguish from common salad lettuce.
Why is prickly lettuce called prickly lettuce?
The name refers to the small prickles associated with the plant, especially along the leaf midrib. Those features help separate Lactuca serriola from smoother-leaved plants in similar disturbed habitats.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
