Mountain lettuce (Lactuca perennis)

Mountain lettuce

Also known as: Perennial blue lettuce

Mountain lettuce is sun-loving and is often found in rocky, dry terrains where shade is limited. It depends on insects for pollination and is frost resistant. It may be easily mistaken for "chickory" (cichorium intybus) when in bloom.

Scientific classification

Species

Mountain lettuce (Lactuca perennis)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Early summer

Bloom Time

Purple, Blue

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Mountain lettuce

Distribution of Mountain lettuce

Distribution Map

Mountain lettuce, a perennial plant, is native to parts of Europe with a temperate climate. It has been introduced to regions within Eastern Europe, where it is now also found in the wild. Additionally, mountain lettuce is cultivated, implying its presence in managed gardens and agricultural settings beyond its wild range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Rocky or other dry places.

Care Guide for Mountain lettuce

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Thriving in rocky habitats, mountain lettuce prefers consistent moisture without over-saturation, showing resilience to dry spells. Regular weekly watering supports its health. Typically grown outdoors, mountain lettuce aligns its growth cycle with seasonal rains, benefiting from higher precipitation periods.

Fertilize: For mountain lettuce, use a balanced fertilizer at the growing season's onset, reducing before dormancy. Apply every 4-6 weeks during active growth, adjusting for seasonal changes. Proper fertilization fosters strong growth and longevity while preventing nutrient overload, making care accessible even to beginners.

Pruning: Mountain lettuce is a perennial with vibrant blue flowers and leafy greens. Prune in early to late spring by cutting back spent flower stalks and thinning dense areas for improved air circulation. This aids flowering and disease prevention while enhancing health and aesthetics.

Propagation: Mountain lettuce is a perennial herb from the daisy family, well-suited for mountainous areas. To propagate, divide the rootball into sections, ensuring each has part of the root system. Plant promptly in well-draining soil and water adequately for successful establishment.

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