Like most of our cultivate crops, lettuce came from a more primitive ancestor. Wild lettuce comes in many varieties and is hard to identify. It is important to refer to guidebooks or local foraging experts to identify plants. Please look at our posts as starting points, not as definitive references on plants.
Canada wild lettuce or tall lettuce, Lactuca canadansis, is thought to be native to North America. In its first year, it hugs the ground very much like dandelion. In the second year, this plant can take off—we have plants over eight feet tall, tall lettuce indeed. The thin leaves are best when young or the plant reaches about a foot—mature leaves can be very bitter. We use this in salads, smoothies, or cooked like spinach. Avoid the white sap.
The yellow flowers of Canada wild lettuce are small. Except for its amazing height, this plant is not grown for its beauty.
Hakusan Creation cannot take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant or consuming unknown or wild plants.
