Perennial Lettuce (Lactuca perennis)

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

Lactuca perennis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour is quite mild. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; The leaves are often blanched to reduce any bitterness.; They are fairly acceptable raw in salads (even without being blanched), especially in late winter and spring when the flavour is quite mild.; The leaves do become much more bitter in the summer, however, especially as the plant comes into flower.

Habitat & North American Range

Rocky or other dry places, especially on calcareous soils. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)