Flower Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| English Name | Prickly Lettuce |
| Scientific Name | Lactuca serriola |
| MainColor | Yellow |
| PlantType |  Herb |
| Distribution |  Native |
| Season Found | July (Jul - Sep) |
| ImageUrl | Lactuca-001 |
| Photographer | DP |
| Location Found | St Albans |
| Country Found | UK |
| Last Updated | 03 September 2026 |
| Photo Quality | B |
Flower Details
Description
A tall, spiny-leaved biennial with yellow dandelion-like flowers and milky sap. Considered an ancestor of cultivated lettuce.
Distribution
Native to Europe and Asia; common across the UK on disturbed ground and roadsides.
Medicinal/Other Uses
The sap, known as lactucarium, has mild sedative and analgesic effects and was once used as a natural painkiller or sleep aid.
Edibility
Young leaves can be eaten, though bitter; mature plants exude latex that is unpleasant to taste.
Human Toxicity
Non_ToxicExcess consumption of latex or sap can cause drowsiness, nausea, or dizziness.
Pet Toxicity
Mildly toxic – ingestion may cause vomiting or lethargy.
Active Compounds
Lactucin, lactucopicrin, sesquiterpene lactones.