Lactuca serriola (Prickly lettuce)

Identification tips

Tip #1: Lactuca comes from Latin, lactugo, means "milk" and serriola also from Latin and means saw shape.

Plant shape

2º Identification tip: this plant is annual or biennial and non-branched, except where flowering stems occur that branch into various floral branches.

Leaves

3º Identification tip: the leaves are alternated (1 sheet per node), have saw shape, the leaves of the base are larger than the leaves of the stem. Leaf bases typically consist of ear-like lobes that attach to the stem. The top surface of the leaf is hairless, but there are thorns along the edge, and the central rib on the bottom surface of the leaf is covered by sharp thorns. The leaves taste like lettuce and exude a milky juice when cut or crushed.

Stem

4º Identification tip: The central stem is light green or opaque white, glabrous and round circumference.

Flowers

5º Identification tip: the flowers are small yellow, each individually loaded at the end of a short branch.

Seeds

6º Identification tip: the seeds are oblong brown and have white hair.

Seedlings - the terror of all

7º Identification tip: cotyledons have round leaves, the first true leaves have oblong shape and serrated edges.

ID

Control

More images

Other Uses

https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/prickly_lettuce.htm

https://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weedguide/single_weed.php?id=63