How to identify Lactuca (Lactuca)
Lactuca typically exhibits a rosette of basal leaves that can be broad and flat to curled and ruffled, depending on the variety. Leaves may range from bright green to deep red-purple, often having a slightly waxy surface. The stems, when cut or broken, exude a characteristic milky sap. In its flowering phase, lactuca develops a central stalk that can reach up to 4 feet (120 cm) tall, topped with small yellow flowers grouped in loose clusters.
Lifespan: Annual, Biennial
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Basal leaves ranging from broad to curly, colored bright green to deep red-purple.
Milky sap exudes from cut stems, which grow up to 4 feet (120 cm).
Flowers with pale blue rays, no central disks, bloom in loose clusters.
Tiny achenes with white, fluffy pappus aid in wind dispersal for reproduction.
Pinnately veined, deeply-lobed leaves resembling dandelion, measure 3 to 10 inches (7.5 to 25 cm).
The leaves of lactuca are deeply-lobed and have a pinnately veined structure. They vary from lanceolate to triangular in shape and resemble those of a dandelion. Basal leaves measure between 3 to 10 inches (7.5 to 25 cm) in length and 1 to 4 inches (2.5 to 10 cm) in width. They feature pointed tips, toothed margins, and tapered bases.
Lactuca flowers form a loose panicle with 11-17 blossoms, each about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) in diameter. The small, petal-like rays are pale blue, sometimes nearly white, with no central disks. The petals are arranged in a delicate, radiating fashion, creating a soft and subtle visual appeal. These flowers lack a noticeable scent and typically bloom from late spring to early summer, making them a gentle yet distinctive addition to the temperate floral tapestry.
The stem of lactuca is leafy and purplish, reaching up to 7 feet (213 cm) tall. It exhibits a robust and erect form, emerging from a basal clump. The texture of the stem is somewhat rigid, and it turns woody as it ages. Its significant height supports large, branching inflorescences at the top. The branching pattern is extensive, with numerous lateral branches arising from the main stem, making it highly recognizable.
The fruit of lactuca is a type of dry, one-seeded achene that is notably flattened with a short beak. It is surrounded by white, fluffy bristles known as pappus, which play a role in facilitating dispersion by wind and water. This fluffy trait enhances the fruit's dispersal range, allowing the seeds to travel further from the parent plant. Essential for the species' propagation, these achenes are typically small and lightweight, qualities that aid in their distribution across various habitats. The achene coupled with the pappus attribute, although minute in size, are significant for lactuca's reproductive cycle and subsequent geographical spread.
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Scientific Classification of Lactuca
