Wild Lettuce (Lactuca virosa)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Lactuca virosa is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

mild flavoured oil, used in cooking, is obtained from the seeds. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.; A mild flavoured oil, used in cooking, is obtained from the seeds.

Habitat & North American Range

Grassy places by roads, canals etc and on banks near the sea, usually on calcareous soils. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)