Lactuca serriola
(Prickly Lettuce)
Lactuca serriola, Hwy 65, Grand Mesa, Delta Co. 2749
Lactuca serriola, Hwy 65, Grand Mesa, Delta Co. 2752
Lactuca serriola, Hwy 65, Grand Mesa, Delta Co. 2696
Lactuca serriola, Hwy 65, Grand Mesa, Delta Co. 2686
Leaves, Lactuca serriola, Hwy 65, Grand Mesa, Delta Co. 2691
| Scientific Name | Lactuca serriola | USDA PLANTS Symbol | LASE |
| Common Name | Prickly Lettuce | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 36608 |
| Family | Asteraceae (Sunflower) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description | Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (3500 to 8500 ft.); fields, waste places, disturbed areas, and roadsides. Plant: Tall, erect biennial, 1-5 feet high, stout stem and milky sap. Leaves: Alternate, prickly leaves, usually clasping and oblanceolate to obovate in shape; lower leaves deeply pinnately-lobed. Inflorescence: Large panicles or corymbs of many, often 100 or more, composite yellow blossoms in open clusters, each about 1/2-inch across, with 13 to 27 rays only (no disk florets); involucre about 1/2 inch long with 3 rows of overlapping bracts. Bloom Period: July to October. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, American Southwest and SEINet. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Introduced |
© Tom Lebsack 2025
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains
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