Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District
White Lettuce
(White Rattlesnake Root)
Prenanthes alba [C-value 5]
Aster family (Asteraceae)
Blooms mid-August -
October
The native White Lettuce is common in our area. It prefers light shade to dappled sunlight, average levels of moisture, and a fertile loamy soil. Habitats include rich woodlands, wooded slopes, rocky ravines in wooded areas, and woodland borders. This perennial is 2-5' tall with an erect central stem and alternate leaves up to 8" long and 6" across becoming gradually smaller as they ascend the stems. The lower larger leaves are usually 3-5 lobed with smooth margins. The central stem terminates in a panicle of flowers up to 2' long and 1' across with a central stalk that divides at its apex into 2-4 spreading branches. From each branch, several flowers droop downward from very short peduncles. Each flower is about ¾" long and ½" across with a cylindrical base and 8-14 outer ray florets that spread outward when in bloom. The rays are pale lavender or white.
White Lettuce at Lyon Forest Preserve September 4, 2013
White Lettuce at Pickerill/Pigott Forest Preserve May 7, 2013 (early spring basal leaves)
White Lettuce at Lyon Forest Preserve August 25, 2013
White Lettuce foliage at Lyon Forest Preserve August 15, 2013
White Lettuce fall remains at Lyon Forest Preserve October 31, 2014
White Lettuce fall seedheads at Lyon Forest Preserve October 31, 2014
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