Wild Lettuce (Lactuca virosa) is a striking, architectural biennial that commands attention in the garden - upright stems reaching 4-6 feet tall, clasping blue-green leaves with a distinctive midrib row of spines, and small pale yellow flowers typical of the daisy family. Break a stem and a thick white latex sap oozes from the wound - this milky juice is the plant's most distinctive feature and the source of its long history in folk herbalism. It is a bold, unusual plant for the dedicated herb grower.

Growing Information
Wild Lettuce thrives in full sun and well-drained to average soil. As a biennial it produces a leafy rosette in its first year and flowers in its second before setting seed and dying. Allow it to self-seed for a continuous garden presence. Plants can reach 4-6 feet tall in flower. It tolerates a range of soil conditions and establishes readily from transplant. A large, vigorous plant that needs space - give it the back of the border or a dedicated spot in the medicinal garden.

Traditional Use
Wild Lettuce has a long and well-documented history in European folk herbalism, appearing in herbals dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. The dried latex, known historically as lactucarium, was used by European herbalists for centuries and was included in the British Pharmacopoeia into the nineteenth century. Herbalists have traditionally valued this plant as a sedative herb, and it remains of significant interest to contemporary herbalists working with plants of the European folk tradition.

Care on Arrival
Water upon arrival and settle in a bright location for a day before transplanting. Wild Lettuce establishes readily and is not fussy about soil conditions. Transplant after your last frost date into a permanent location, as it does not transplant well once established. Give it adequate space - this is a large plant. Water during establishment, then reduce frequency; established plants are quite tolerant of variable moisture conditions.

You Might Also Like
If Wild Lettuce appeals to you, explore Valerian, another European folk herb traditionally valued for its sedative properties. Skullcap and Motherwort are classic nervine herbs with their own distinct traditions. For a collection of plants with deep European herbal history, add Mugwort and Angelica.

At Zenobia's Garden, every plant is grown on our 8-acre farm in Perry County, Missouri - tended by hand with attention to soil health, plant vitality, and botanical integrity. We grow medicinal herbs because we believe in them, and we want the plants that leave our farm to thrive in yours. Questions about your order or your plants? Reach us at susan@zenobiasgarden.com - we're growers first, and we're happy to help.