Status:
valid
Authors:
Hablitz
Source:
gcc
Year:
Citation Micro:
Taur. 160.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000024234
Common Names
- Bitter Lettuce
- Wild Lettuce
- Bitterweed
Description
Lactuca virosa (also called wild lettuce, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to Europe, North Africa and parts of Asia. It has a rosette of leaves that are generally green, but can be tinged with purple. It grows in meadows, grasslands, and along roadsides.
Uses & Benefits
Lactuca virosa is used as a medicinal plant for treating insomnia, anxiety, and depression. It is also used as a salad green and as a garnish.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Lactuca virosa sub. cornigera (Pau & FontQuer) Emb. & Maire
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Lactuca virosa is yellow and daisy-like, with many petals. The seed is small and round, and the seedling has a single, thin stem with a few leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Lactuca virosa is a biennial herb that can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix in a warm, sunny location. Cuttings should be taken from semi-mature wood and rooted in a moist, well-drained soil mix. The plant should be kept well-watered and fertilized regularly.
Where to Find Lactuca virosa
Lactuca virosa is native to Europe and can be found in parts of France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Lactuca virosa FAQ
What is the scientific name of Lactuca virosa?
Lactuca virosa
What is the common name of Lactuca virosa?
Bitter lettuce
What type of plant is Lactuca virosa?
Herbaceous biennial
Species in the Lactuca genus
Lactuca floridana,
Lactuca acanthifolia,
Lactuca formosana,
Lactuca microcephala,
Lactuca longespicata,
Lactuca rostrata,
Lactuca scarioloides,
Lactuca praevia,
Lactuca zambeziaca,
Lactuca schulzeana,
Lactuca cyprica,
Lactuca rosularis,
Lactuca tinctociliata,
Lactuca tenerrima,
Lactuca dregeana,
Lactuca brachyrrhyncha,
Lactuca klossii,
Lactuca intricata,
Lactuca rechingeriana,
Lactuca muralis,
Lactuca mwinilungensis,
Lactuca marunguensis,
Lactuca serriola,
Lactuca longidentata,
Lactuca setosa,
Lactuca palmensis,
Lactuca corymbosa,
Lactuca muralis,
Lactuca lasiorhiza,
Lactuca triangulata,
Lactuca singularis,
Lactuca perennis,
Lactuca rostrata,
Lactuca praecox,
Lactuca aculeata,
Lactuca czerepanovii,
Lactuca dissecta,
Lactuca virosa,
Lactuca fenzlii,
Lactuca raddeana,
Lactuca repens,
Lactuca hispida,
Lactuca biennis,
Lactuca mansuensis,
Lactuca undulata,
Lactuca tatarica,
Lactuca indica,
Lactuca orientalis,
Lactuca alpestris,
Lactuca stebbinsii,
Species in the Asteraceae family
Aaronsohnia pubescens,
Aaronsohnia factorovskyi,
Abrotanella filiformis,
Abrotanella rostrata,
Abrotanella linearis,
Abrotanella trilobata,
Abrotanella muscosa,
Abrotanella inconspicua,
Abrotanella trichoachaenia,
Abrotanella caespitosa,
Abrotanella nivigena,
Abrotanella pusilla,
Abrotanella linearifolia,
Abrotanella papuana,
Abrotanella rosulata,
Abrotanella emarginata,
Abrotanella fertilis,
Abrotanella spathulata,
Abrotanella purpurea,
Abrotanella patearoa,
Abrotanella submarginata,
Abrotanella diemii,
Abrotanella scapigera,
Abrotanella forsterioides,
Acamptopappus shockleyi,
Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus,
Acanthocephalus benthamianus,
Acanthocephalus amplexifolius,
Acanthocladium dockeri,
Acanthodesmos distichus,
Acanthodesmos gibarensis,
Acanthospermum humile,
Acanthospermum consobrinum,
Acanthospermum glabratum,
Acanthospermum microcarpum,
Acanthospermum hispidum,
Acanthospermum australe,
Acanthospermum lecocarpoides,
Acanthostyles buniifolius,
Acanthostyles saucechicoensis,
Achillea buiana,
Achillea conrathii,
Achillea cucullata,
Achillea styriaca,
Achillea clavennae,
Achillea cappadocica,
Achillea huber-morathii,
Achillea ptarmicoides,
Achillea sieheana,
Achillea barrelieri,