Wild Lettuce (Lactuca canadensis)

Lactuca canadensis is known by the common names Wild Lettuce, American Wild Lettuce, or Canada Lettuce. It grows widely in this area including in an area along the trail south of the Fishing Area (segment 13). It begins to bloom in early June.

The plant beginning to set buds. This particular plant was 6 to 7 feet tall.

A characteristic lower leaf. Leaves at the top of the plant may not show this degree of indentation.

The top of the plant showing the buds.

A close up of the developing buds.

A flower bud, up close

Fully opened flowers, 'front on.'

Fully opened flowers, in profile.

A developing seed head.

A mature seed head.

Seeds up close.

Lactuca canadensis (Canada Lettuce) is native to North America; it grows in most states in the United States and provinces in Canada.
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Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Lactuca canadensis (Canada Lettuce)
- University of North Carolina Herbarium: Lactuca canadensis

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Wild Lettuce (Lactuca canadensis)

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower – Wildflower Index