Indian Lettuce (Lactuca indica)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Lactuca indica is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. Added to salads or soups. The leaves contain about 1.5% protein, 0.4% fat, 2.2% carbohydrate, 0.7% ash. Stem - cooked. It contains 0.6% protein, 0.1% fat, 2.1% carbohydrate, 0.5% ash. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; Added to salads or soups.; The leaves contain about 1.5% protein, 0.4% fat, 2.2% carbohydrate, 0.7% ash.; It contains 0.6% protein, 0.1% fat, 2.1% carbohydrate, 0.5% ash.

Habitat & North American Range

Grassy places in lowland all over Japan. This report refers to the sub-species L. indica laciniata. (O.Kuntze.)Hard. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)