Prickly lettuce

Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca serriola), also known as wild lettuce or compass plant, is a species of Lactuca native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It has naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Description

Prickly lettuce is an annual or biennial plant, growing up to 2 meters tall. The leaves are oblong and have prickly edges, hence the common name. The plant produces yellow flowers in the summer, which turn into white, fluffy seeds that are dispersed by the wind.

Distribution and Habitat

Prickly lettuce is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but it has become naturalized in many other parts of the world. It is often found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides, fields, and waste places.

Uses

Prickly lettuce has been used in traditional medicine for its sedative and analgesic properties. The plant contains a milky sap that is rich in lactucarium, a substance that has similar effects to opium but is less potent and non-addictive.

Cultivation

Prickly lettuce is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but it can tolerate partial shade and poor soil conditions.

Invasive Species

In some areas, prickly lettuce is considered an invasive species due to its ability to spread rapidly and outcompete native plants.

See Also

• Lactuca
• Invasive species
• Traditional medicine

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