Lactuca canadensis

Lactuca canadensis wild lettuce

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA

Biennial herb, up to 8 feet tall, unbranched. Leaves are high in vitamins and can be eaten raw or boiled.  Several varieties are usually recognized based on leaf shape which is high variable.

Grows in woodland edges, meadows, and fields.

Present throughout the state.

Wetland codes
EMP: FACU
NCNE: FACU



Flowers June to September.

Flower heads  numerous, florets yellow, with ray flowers only.

Leaves  alternate; leaf shape varies - it can be entireand simple, toothed or shallow to deeply pinnately lobed; light to dark green in color, sometimes with purple edges.

Achenesdark with a slender, elongated beak and a single vein on each face.

Can be extremely tall, tends to stand out amongst other plants.

S-rank:  No rank
G-rank:  G5 (Secure)

Lactuca canadensis wild lettuce

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA
Lactuca canadensis gallery
Plant Life-Form
biennial forb
Common Names
wild lettuce