How to identify Woodland lettuce (Lactuca floridana)

How to identify Woodland lettuce (Lactuca floridana)

Woodland lettuce, also known as Florida blue lettuce, Florida wild lettuce

Woodland lettuce is characterized by a tall stem that can grow up to 6 feet (about 183 cm) high, supporting an inflorescence crowded with numerous flower heads. Each flower head is comprised of 10-20 blue or white ray florets, though it noticeably lacks disc florets. The foliage is akin to that of dandelion, featuring leaves that can vary in taste as they mature. These attributes combined can aid in the identification of woodland lettuce.

Lifespan: Annual, Biennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Woodland lettuce

Flattened achene with plumose bristles aids in wind dispersal.

Leaves are deeply-lobed with toothed margins and pronounced veins.

Tall stem with purplish-green color exudes white, milky sap.

Delicate flowers in panicles with radiant starburst arrangement.

Cluster of 10-20 light blue to white ray flowers per flower head.

Detailed Traits of Woodland lettuce

Leaf Features

The leaves of woodland lettuce are typically deeply-lobed, exhibiting a pinnately veined pattern. They measure between 3-10 inches (7.6-25.4 cm) in length and 1-4 inches (2.5-10.2 cm) in width. The leaf margins are toothed, with sharply pointed tips and bases that taper elegantly. The texture is slightly coarse to the touch, and the rich green color is complemented by pronounced veins that enhance its unique form.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Woodland lettuce displays delicate flowers grouped in loose panicles. Each cluster consists of 10-20 ray flowers, with each individual flower measuring approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) across. The flowers exhibit a range of hues from light blue to nearly white. Their petals are arranged in a radiant formation, creating a visually pleasing starburst effect. These flowers typically bloom during the summer months, adding a subtle touch of color to their surroundings.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of woodland lettuce is notably tall and exhibits a purplish-green hue. It exudes a white, milky sap when damaged. The stem is erect and robust, typically standing between 2 to 6 feet (60 to 180 cm) in height. Its texture is smooth but may have slight ridges. The branching pattern is generally sparse, mainly occurring in the upper portion of the stem. This combination of height, color, and sap is a key identifier for the plant.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of woodland lettuce is a distinctive, flattened achene with a short beak, an adaptation for wind dispersal. It's characterized by having a pale straw to white coloration and is adorned with fluffy bristles that enhance its ability to float on the breeze. This plumose structure is a key feature for species identification. The texture of the achene is dry and the fruit is designed to easily detach from the plant when mature, facilitating its spread to new locations. The size of the achene is small, typically lightweight, allowing for efficient travel over varying distances.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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