Description
Lactuca yemensis (also called Yemen Lettuce, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to Yemen. It has a rosette of basal leaves and a single stem with a few leaves. The stem is topped with a single yellow flower head. It grows in meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands.
Uses & Benefits
Lactuca yemensis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a food source, as its leaves are edible and can be used in salads. Its roots can be boiled and eaten, and its flowers can be used to make tea.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Lactuca yemensis has yellow flowers with a diameter of about 1 cm. The seeds are small, dark brown and oval-shaped. The seedlings are thin and have a single stem with small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Lactuca yemensis is a perennial plant that prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It can be propagated by division or cuttings. Division should be done in spring or early summer, while cuttings should be taken in late summer or early fall.
Where to Find Lactuca yemensis
Lactuca yemensis is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in moist woodlands, thickets, and along roadsides. It is found in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.