Flower Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| English Name | Wild Lettuce |
| Also Known As | Bitter Lettuce |
| Scientific Name | Lactuca virosa |
| MainColor | Yellow |
| PlantType |  Herb |
| Distribution |  Native |
| Season Found | July (Jul - Sep) |
| ImageUrl | Lactuca-002 |
| Photographer | DP |
| Location Found | Abbots Langley |
| Country Found | UK |
| Last Updated | 12 September 2026 |
| Photo Quality | A |
Flower Details
Description
Wild Lettuce is a biennial plant that can grow up to 2 metres tall. It has a stout stem with spiny leaves and produces small yellow flowers. The plant exudes a milky latex when cut, which has been traditionally used for its sedative properties.
Distribution
Wild Lettuce is native to Europe and parts of Asia but has spread to North America and other regions. It typically grows in disturbed areas such as roadsides and waste places.
Medicinal/Other Uses
✅ Traditionally used as a sedative and pain reliever due to its latex, known as lactucarium. It has also been used in folk medicine for treating coughs and insomnia.
Edibility
Caution Advised - the plant contains bitter compounds and should be consumed with caution.
Human Toxicity
Mildly_Toxic
Mildly Toxic - ingestion of large amounts can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea.
Pet Toxicity
Mildly Toxic to dogs and cats - ingestion may cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
Active Compounds
Lactucin, lactucopicrin, lactucarium.