|
Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District Prickly Lettuce The non-native (Eurasia) Prickly Lettuce is common in our area. It prefers full sun and a medium to dry soil. Habitats include abandoned fields, fence rows, roadsides and waste areas. This annual or biennial is 2-7' tall and unbranched, except where the upper flowering stems occur. The alternate leaves are up to 12" long and 4" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stems. They are pinnately-lobed deeply with a few teeth, pointed tips and short prickles along the underside of the central vein. Spreading panicles of pale yellow flowers are produced from the central stem and upper side stems. Each flower is about 1/2" across with about 20 pale yellow ray florets with 5 small teeth.
Prickly Lettuce at Harris Forest Preserve August 20, 2013
Prickly Lettuce at Harris Forest Preserve August 20, 2013
Prickly Lettuce foliage
Prickly Lettuce leaf Note prickles along central vein on leaf underside.
Prickly Lettuce at Harris Forest Preserve August 20, 2013
Prickly Lettuce in fall at Richard Young Forest Preserve October 14, 2015
Click here for more information. Copyright © 2011-2017 by Kendall County Forest Preserve District. All Rights Reserved. |
