Lactuca serriola . L

Family: Asteraceae






Status: Exotic

 common name:Prickly Lettuce

The Prickly Lettuce plant - Lactuca Serriola (scariola) is believed to have originated in Europe but it has become native throughout North America . Over the centuries wild lettuce has enjoyed great versatility as a medicinal plant. The Romans used wild lettuce on their banquet menus to help prevent intoxication (from the alcohol that inevitably accompanied the meals).

New mothers used to drink tea brewed from the leaves to promote lactation. Wild lettuce sap has also been prescribed in herbals as a diuretic and as a soothing lotion for chapped skin.

Synonyms:

 Lactuca integrata (Greneir & Godron) A. Nelson


Lactuca scariola Linnaeus, a later variant spelling


Lactuca serriola Linnaeus var. integrata Grenier & Godron


Lactuca serriola Linnaeus forma integrifolia Bogenhard






Lactuca serriola is a tall herb. It has milky juice and yellow flowers. The leaves are lobed and have small spines. The stems are leafy to the inflorescence which is highly branched. Unlike Sonchus, the achenes are beaked at the summit. The inflorescence on Lactuca serriola is longer compared to its width than that of Sonchus. Lactuca serriola is found in disturbed areas and wasteground.