Prickly lettuce - Lactuca serriola (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Edible)

Prickly lettuce

Prickly lettuce, in spite of its appearance, is the closest wild relative of cultivated lettuce. Even though it is widely considered a weed, it can be used in the kitchen. Young leaves of prickly lettuce are edible and the bitter milky latex can also be made into a condiment or to add flavor to salads. Consuming in large quantities could cause digestive upsets.

Scientific classification

Species

Prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Biennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Late summer, Early fall

Harvest Time

1.1 cm to 1.3 cm

Flower Size

Yellow

Flower Color

Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Prickly lettuce

Distribution of Prickly lettuce

Distribution Map

Prickly lettuce is native to the meadows and fields of Europe and the surrounding parts of North Africa and Central Asia. It was accidentally introduced to North America and Australia; it is considered a weed throughout much of the world.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Waste places, walls, more or less stable dunes

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

The flowering herb prickly lettuce is often grown in orchards and plant nurseries. This plant has a weedy, invasive nature, so it is best to grow it in containers or a controlled environment. The yellow and sometimes blue flowers resemble dandelions.

Symbolism

Chastity, Protection, Dreams

Interesting Facts

Though quite different in appearance now, prickly lettuce is the wild version of the plant that eventually became our garden lettuce. It has been cultivated for thousands of years and was associated with the ancient Egyptian god, Min. Greek mythology held that Adonis was laid to rest on a bed of prickly lettuce, so it became considered the food of the dead.

Name Story

Prickly lettuce: The word, prickly indicates that its veins and the edges of the leaves are surrounded by pricks. The word, lettuce originates from the latin word, lactūca in which the lac word refers to the meaning of milk. Inspired by the secretion of white fluid from the stems, the plant is called prickly lettuce.

Compass plant: Lactuca serriola is known as the compass plant because the leaves are so arranged on the axis as if it is to indicate the cardinal points of the compass.

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Toxicity

Consumption of prickly lettuce, especially the mature leaves, can lead to nervousness, restlessness, cardiac paralysis, or death. Mild toxicity risks exist for cats and dogs, with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and dermatitis due to the plant's sap and juice. Owners should be vigilant and seek veterinary care if pets ingest significant amounts.

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Weed Control

Prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola) is a common annual or biennial herbaceous plant and the closest wild cousin of cultivated lettuce. It is native to Mediterranean areas of Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but it has become naturalized in other regions, mostly in North America, where it is considered an invasive weed of field crops, orchards, and, less significantly, roadsides. Most notably, it infiltrates wheat and reduces the harvesting efficiency, consequently decreasing the price of grain. Belonging to the dandelion family, it has the same plumed seeds as the common dandelion; the wind scatters the seeds far and wide.

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of prickly lettuce is ideally in late spring or early summer before it has the chance to set seed. Here are few methods you can use to control or eradicate the plant, ensuring you tackle it before it reaches its flowering stage:

Hand Pulling: This method involves physically removing prickly lettuce from the soil with your hands, ensuring to pull out the whole root system to prevent regrowth. Make sure to wear gloves as prickly lettuce has slightly prickly leaves.
Soil Solarization: This technique involves covering the infested area with a clear plastic tarp during the hottest part of the year. The sun heats the soil, effectively killing prickly lettuce. The process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Deep Mulching: Spread a thick layer of organic mulch such as straw, wood chips, or compost around the plants. This not only blocks the light prickly lettuce needs for growth, but it also suffocates and kills the plant.
Planting Competitive Plants: Cultivate plants that can compete with prickly lettuce for resources. These plants usually have dense root systems and large leaves for shading out prickly lettuce. Some examples are clover or ground ivy.
Vinegar Solution: Spray a household vinegar solution on the leaves of the prickly lettuce. The acidity of the vinegar will kill the plant but be careful not to spray on desirable plants as this might harm them as well.

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Care Guide for Prickly lettuce

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from arid regions, prickly lettuce exhibits drought tolerance by conserving water with a minimalistic approach. It thrives on a weekly watering schedule, making it ideal for xeriscaping due to its resilience and ability to flourish in low moisture environments.

Propagation: Prickly lettuce can be propagated easily by sowing seeds in Spring. The process is simple, with noticeable success indicated by initial sprouting. Ensure proper water, light, and soil conditions for healthy propagation.

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Images of Prickly lettuce

Distribution of Prickly lettuce

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Care Guide for Prickly lettuce

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