Wild Lettuce
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(Lactuca quercina)
Wild Lettuce (Lactuca quercina)
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Наталья Пикалова
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Наталья Пикалова
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Наталья Пикалова | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Наталья Пикалова | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-06-14T10:18:58-07:00 |
Summary
Lactuca quercina, commonly known as Wild Lettuce or Oak Leaf Lettuce, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats in Europe, including open woodlands, forest clearings, and meadows. It typically grows to a height of 0.5-1.5 feet (0.15-0.45 meters) and is characterized by its lobed leaves that resemble those of an oak, hence the name "Oak Leaf Lettuce". The plant produces clusters of small, yellow flowers that are not particularly showy, blooming in the summer months.
Wild Lettuce is valued for its edible leaves, which can be used in salads or as a cooked green. It is also known for its ease of maintenance, making it a suitable choice for vegetable gardens, herb gardens, and as a leafy addition to wildflower meadows. In terms of cultivation, Lactuca quercina prefers full sun to part shade and can adapt to a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided they have medium to fast drainage. While not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be susceptible to typical lettuce pests such as aphids and slugs. Gardeners should be cautious when introducing this plant to non-native areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Wild Lettuce is valued for its edible leaves, which can be used in salads or as a cooked green. It is also known for its ease of maintenance, making it a suitable choice for vegetable gardens, herb gardens, and as a leafy addition to wildflower meadows. In terms of cultivation, Lactuca quercina prefers full sun to part shade and can adapt to a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided they have medium to fast drainage. While not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be susceptible to typical lettuce pests such as aphids and slugs. Gardeners should be cautious when introducing this plant to non-native areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Border Plant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to a variety of habitats in Europe, including open woodlands, forest clearings, and meadows
Other Names
Common Names: Oak Leaf Lettuce, Šumska Salata
Scientific Names: Lactuca quercina, Lactuca chaixii var. chaixii, Lactuca chaixii var. laciniata, Lactuca lipskyi, Lactuca quercina subsp. genuina ?elak., Lactuca quercina subsp. stricta, Lactuca quercina subsp. typica, Lactuca quercina var. heterophylla, Lactuca quercina var. typica
GBIF Accepted Name: Lactuca quercina