Willowleaf lettuce - Lactuca saligna (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Willowleaf lettuce

Also known as: Wild lettuce

Willowleaf lettuce is a weedy species in many parts of North America, where it's been introduced from Eurasia. It's an annual plant, growing on wastelands and near rivers and streams. Willowleaf lettuce produces tiny pale yellow flowers.

Scientific classification

Species

Willowleaf lettuce (Lactuca saligna)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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51 cm to 1.02 m

Plant Height

30 cm

Spread

4 cm

Flower Size

White, Yellow

Flower Color

Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Willowleaf lettuce

Distribution of Willowleaf lettuce

Distribution Map

Willowleaf lettuce is natively found across a wide region encompassing parts of North Africa, Western Asia, Southern and Central Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean. It has also been introduced to the Americas, East Asia, Central Asia, and Oceania, expanding its presence into temperate regions across several continents.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Ditches, Levees, Fields, Gardens, Pastures, Railroads, Roadsides

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Willowleaf lettuce

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Willowleaf lettuce thrives in moist environments, requiring consistent hydration with a weekly watering schedule. While it adapts to short dry periods, outdoor cultivation aligns with its water needs. Adequate watering, especially during the active growing season, is crucial for the plant's vitality and foliage.

Fertilize: Willowleaf lettuce requires balanced nutrition for robust growth, with higher nitrogen during leaf development. Fertilize bi-weekly in active growth with diluted solutions, avoiding over-fertilization. Frequency increases in spring and summer, and application in cool morning hours helps prevent root shock.

Pruning: Willowleaf lettuce features willow-like leaves and benefits from light pruning in early to late spring. Remove dead or damaged leaves to improve growth and airflow, but avoid over-pruning to prevent growth stunting. Proper timing aligns with its growth cycle, enhancing vigor and foliage robustness.

Propagation: Willowleaf lettuce is a resilient herbaceous plant suitable for diverse environments. Propagation occurs via sowing in well-draining soil with adequate sunlight for germination. Consistent soil moisture is vital, making willowleaf lettuce an ideal choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance leafy greens.

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Images of Willowleaf lettuce

Distribution of Willowleaf lettuce

Care Guide for Willowleaf lettuce

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