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Great Lettuce

Lactuca virosa

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Plant Profile
Similar Species
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Asterales

Family:

Asteraceae (Daisy)

Also in this family:

Alpine Blue Sow-thistle, Alpine Cotula, Alpine Fleabane, Alpine Saw-wort, Annual Ragweed, Annual Sunflower, Argentine Fleabane, Autumn Hawkbit, Autumn Oxeye, Beaked Hawksbeard, Beggarticks, Bilbao Fleabane, Black Knapweed, Black-eyed Susan, Blanketflower, Blue Fleabane, Blue Globe-thistle, Bristly Oxtongue, Broad-leaved Cudweed, Broad-leaved Ragwort, Brown Knapweed, Butterbur, Buttonweed, Cabbage Thistle, Canadian Fleabane, Canadian Goldenrod, Carline Thistle, Chalk Knapweed, Chamois Ragwort, Changing Michaelmas Daisy, Chicory, Chinese Mugwort, Chinese Ragwort, Coltsfoot, Common Blue Sow-thistle, Common Cat's-ear, Common Cudweed, Common Daisy, Common Dandelion, Common Fleabane, Common Goldenrod, Common Groundsel, Common Michaelmas Daisy, Common Mugwort, Common Ragwort, Common Wormwood, Coneflower, Confused Michaelmas Daisy, Corn Chamomile, Corn Marigold, Cornflower, Cotton Thistle, Cottonweed, Creeping Thistle, Daisy Bush, Dwarf Cudweed, Dwarf Thistle, Early Goldenrod, Eastern Groundsel, Eastern Leopardsbane, Elecampane, English Hawkweed, Fen Ragwort, Feverfew, Field Fleawort, Field Wormwood, Fox and Cubs, French Tarragon, Gallant Soldier, Garden Lettuce, Giant Butterbur, Glabrous-headed Hawkweed, Glandular Globe-thistle, Glaucous Michaelmas Daisy, Globe Artichoke, Globe-thistle, Goat's Beard, Golden Ragwort, Golden Samphire, Goldilocks Aster, Grass-leaved Goldenrod, Greater Burdock, Greater Knapweed, Grey-headed Hawkweed, Guernsey Fleabane, Hairless Blue Sow-thistle, Hairless Leptinella, Hairy Michaelmas Daisy, Harpur Crewe's Leopardsbane, Hawkweed Oxtongue, Heath Cudweed, Heath Groundsel, Hemp Agrimony, Highland Cudweed, Hoary Mugwort, Hoary Ragwort, Hybrid Knapweed, Intermediate Burdock, Irish Fleabane, Jersey Cudweed, Jerusalem Artichoke, Lance-leaved Hawkweed, Lavender-cotton, Leafless Hawksbeard, Least Lettuce, Leopardplant, Leopardsbane, Leptinella, Lesser Burdock, Lesser Hawkbit, Lesser Sunflower, London Bur-marigold, Magellan Ragwort, Marsh Cudweed, Marsh Hawksbeard, Marsh Ragwort, Marsh Sow-thistle, Marsh Thistle, Meadow Thistle, Melancholy Thistle, Mexican Fleabane, Milk Thistle, Mountain Everlasting, Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Musk Thistle, Narrow-leaved Cudweed, Narrow-leaved Hawkweed, Narrow-leaved Michaelmas Daisy, Narrow-leaved Ragwort, New England Hawkweed, New Zealand Holly, Nipplewort, Nodding Bur-marigold, Northern Hawksbeard, Norwegian Mugwort, Oxeye Daisy, Oxford Ragwort, Pearly Everlasting, Perennial Cornflower, Perennial Ragweed, Perennial Sow-thistle, Perennial Sunflower, Pineapple Mayweed, Plantain-leaved Leopardsbane, Ploughman's Spikenard, Plymouth Thistle, Pontic Blue Sow-thistle, Pot Marigold, Prickly Lettuce, Prickly Sow-thistle, Purple Coltsfoot, Rayed Tansy, Red Star Thistle, Red-seeded Dandelion, Red-tipped Cudweed, Robin's Plantain, Roman Chamomile, Rough Cocklebur, Rough Hawkbit, Rough Hawksbeard, Russian Lettuce, Safflower, Salsify, Saw-wort, Scented Mayweed, Scentless Mayweed, Sea Aster, Sea Mayweed, Sea Wormwood, Seaside Daisy, Shaggy Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Shaggy Soldier, Shasta Daisy, Shetland Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Shrub Ragwort, Sicilian Chamomile, Silver Ragwort, Slender Mugwort, Slender Thistle, Small Cudweed, Small Fleabane, Smooth Cat's-ear, Smooth Hawksbeard, Smooth Sow-thistle, Sneezeweed, Sneezewort, Spear Thistle, Spotted Cat's-ear, Spotted Hawkweed, Sticky Groundsel, Stinking Chamomile, Stinking Hawksbeard, Tall Fleabane, Tall Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Tansy, Thin-leaved Sunflower, Trifid Bur-marigold, Tuberous Thistle, Tyneside Leopardplant, Viper's Grass, Wall Lettuce, Welsh Groundsel, Welted Thistle, White Butterbur, White Buttons, Willdenow's Leopardsbane, Winter Heliotrope, Wood Burdock, Wood Ragwort, Woody Fleabane, Woolly Thistle, Yarrow, Yellow Chamomile, Yellow Fox and Cubs, Yellow Oxeye, Yellow Star Thistle, Yellow Thistle, York Groundsel

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Annual or Biennial

Maximum Size:

2 metres tall

Habitats:

Grassland, riverbanks, roadsides, rocky places, sand dunes, sea cliffs, seaside, wasteland, waterside, woodland.

Flower:

Yellow, many petals

The flowers of Lactuca virosa, also known as Great Lettuce, are a sight to behold in the British countryside. These blossoms exhibit a delicate yet enchanting beauty, with petals that come in varying shades of pale lavender and soft lilac. The flowers are composed of multiple layers of slender, gracefully curved petals, forming a captivating composition. Each bloom exudes a subtle, sweet fragrance that entices native pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to partake in their nectar. When in full bloom during the British summer, these flowers create a picturesque scene, adding a touch of natural charm to the serene landscapes of the United Kingdom.

Fruit:

The fruit of Lactuca virosa, commonly known as Great Lettuce, is a distinctive botanical feature. The plant produces elongated, slender seed pods that are initially green but gradually turn brown as they mature. Within these pods, one can find numerous small, ribbed seeds, encapsulated in a fluffy, white pappus—a characteristic structure that assists in seed dispersal by wind. The seeds are often released when the pods split open, contributing to the plant's natural propagation. Although not typically consumed by humans, these seeds play an essential role in the plant's lifecycle and ecosystem dynamics throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.

Leaves:

The leaves of Lactuca virosa, commonly referred to as Great Lettuce, are a prominent aspect of the plant's anatomy. These leaves are deeply lobed and bear a resemblance to the leaves of other lettuce varieties, featuring a rich green hue and a slightly serrated margin. Each leaf is characterized by its elongated shape and often grows in a rosette arrangement, radiating from the plant's central stem. The leaves are particularly noteworthy for their potential psychoactive properties, as they contain lactucin and lactucopicrin compounds that have been used historically for their mild sedative effects. In the United Kingdom, the leaves of Great Lettuce have a history of herbal usage and are recognized for their unique botanical attributes. An annual or biennial plant, similar to Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca serriola) but taller. The greyish-green leaves are larger, wavy-edged and often flushed purple. The leaves have spines on their edges and along the midrib on the undersides. The base of the leaves are wrapped around their stems. The stems are covered in spines which can be green, red or purple.

Aroma:

The scent of Lactuca virosa, commonly referred to as Great Lettuce, is characterized by a mild and earthy aroma. When the leaves or stems of this plant are crushed or bruised, they release a subtle, herbal fragrance with faint undertones of fresh greens. It is not a particularly strong or overpowering smell, but rather a gentle and natural scent that blends harmoniously with the surrounding environment. While not typically cultivated for its fragrance, Great Lettuce possesses a modest, pleasant aroma that contributes to its overall botanical charm in the United Kingdom and other regions where it is found.

Other Names:

Bitter Lettuce, Opium Lettuce, Poisonous Lettuce, Tall Lettuce, Wild Lettuce, Wild Opium Lettuce.

Frequency (UK):

Occasionally seen

Prickly Lettuce

Summary

Lactuca virosa is a species of lettuce that is also known as "wild lettuce" or "opium lettuce." It is a tall, perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, but it can also be found in North America as an introduced species. It can grow up to 2m tall, with a thick stem and leaves that are dark green and covered in soft, hairy leaves. The flowers are small and yellow and they grow in a large, open inflorescence at the top of the stem. The seeds are small and dark.

It is known for its sedative and pain-relieving properties, due to the presence of a compound called lactucarium, which is found in the sap of the plant. This compound is similar to opium and can have a mild sedative effect when consumed. Historically, it has been used as a natural remedy for insomnia, anxiety and pain relief. However, it should be used with caution as excessive consumption can cause side effects such as, drowsiness, dizziness and hallucinations. It is not commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant and in some countries it is considered as a noxious weed.

Blog

Lactuca virosa, commonly known as Great Lettuce or Wild Lettuce, is a biennial plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to Europe and North America and has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. In this blog, we will explore the history, uses, and benefits of Great Lettuce.

History

The use of Great Lettuce dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was used to treat a variety of ailments, including insomnia, anxiety, and pain. In the 19th century, Great Lettuce became popular in the United States as a natural remedy for pain relief. It was often referred to as "opium lettuce" because of its sedative effects. Today, Great Lettuce is still used in herbal medicine as a natural alternative to painkillers.

Uses

Great Lettuce contains a variety of compounds that are believed to have medicinal properties. The milky sap from the leaves and stems of the plant contains lactucin and lactucopicrin, which are known to have sedative effects. These compounds are believed to work by binding to the same receptors in the brain that are targeted by opioid drugs, such as morphine and codeine.

Great Lettuce is commonly used in herbal medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including:

Insomnia: The sedative effects of Great Lettuce make it an effective natural remedy for insomnia.
Anxiety: Great Lettuce is believed to have anxiolytic effects, making it useful for treating anxiety and nervousness.
Pain relief: Great Lettuce is often used as a natural alternative to painkillers for conditions such as headaches, menstrual cramps, and chronic pain.
Asthma: Great Lettuce is believed to have bronchodilator effects, making it useful for treating asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Benefits

Great Lettuce is a natural alternative to conventional painkillers, such as opioids, which can be addictive and have a range of side effects. Additionally, Great Lettuce does not have the same risk of overdose or respiratory depression associated with opioid use. Other potential benefits of Great Lettuce include:

Anti-inflammatory effects: Great Lettuce contains compounds that are believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, making it useful for treating conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Antioxidant properties: Great Lettuce contains a variety of antioxidants, which are believed to help protect against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.
Digestive health: Great Lettuce is believed to have mild digestive benefits, helping to promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation.

Great Lettuce, or Wild Lettuce, is a plant species with a long history of use in herbal medicine. Its sedative and analgesic properties make it a useful natural alternative to conventional painkillers, such as opioids. Great Lettuce also has a range of other potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. As with any natural remedy, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using Great Lettuce for medicinal purposes.

More Information about Great Lettuce

Great Lettuce, also known as Wild Lettuce, is a plant species that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. While it is most commonly known for its sedative and analgesic properties, Great Lettuce also has a range of other potential health benefits.

One of the potential benefits of Great Lettuce is its anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is believed to be at the root of many chronic diseases, such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Great Lettuce contains compounds that are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential natural remedy for reducing inflammation in the body.

Great Lettuce is also believed to have antioxidant properties, which may help protect against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals in the body and the body's ability to neutralize them with antioxidants. Great Lettuce contains a variety of antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which may help reduce oxidative stress and promote overall health.

In addition to its sedative and analgesic effects, Great Lettuce is also believed to have mild digestive benefits. It is believed to promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation. This is due to the plant's high fiber content and the presence of compounds that promote the secretion of digestive juices.

While Great Lettuce is generally considered safe when used as directed, it can cause side effects in some people. These side effects may include headaches, dizziness, and gastrointestinal upset. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using Great Lettuce for medicinal purposes, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking any medications.

Great Lettuce, or Wild Lettuce, is a plant species with a long history of use in herbal medicine. While it is most commonly known for its sedative and analgesic properties, Great Lettuce also has a range of other potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. As with any natural remedy, it is important to use caution and consult with a healthcare provider before using Great Lettuce for medicinal purposes.

Great Lettuce, also known as Wild Lettuce, is a plant species that is native to Europe and North America. It has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, particularly for its sedative and analgesic effects. However, Great Lettuce also has a range of other potential health benefits that make it a valuable natural remedy.

One of the potential benefits of Great Lettuce is its ability to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. The plant contains compounds that are believed to have sedative effects, making it a potential natural remedy for insomnia and anxiety. Additionally, Great Lettuce may help reduce the symptoms of conditions such as restless leg syndrome and muscle spasms.

Great Lettuce is also believed to have mild diuretic properties, which may help promote kidney health and prevent urinary tract infections. The plant contains compounds that stimulate the production of urine and promote the elimination of toxins from the body.

Another potential benefit of Great Lettuce is its ability to promote skin health. The plant contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce skin inflammation and promote healthy skin. Great Lettuce can be used topically in the form of a poultice or salve to help treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

While Great Lettuce is generally considered safe when used as directed, it can interact with certain medications, such as sedatives and blood thinners. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using Great Lettuce for medicinal purposes, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking any medications.

In conclusion, Great Lettuce, or Wild Lettuce, is a plant species with a range of potential health benefits. While it is most commonly known for its sedative and analgesic properties, Great Lettuce also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic, and skin-promoting properties. As with any natural remedy, it is important to use caution and consult with a healthcare provider before using Great Lettuce for medicinal purposes.

Video

Great Lettuce filmed at Formby, Lancashire on the 4th June 2023.

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Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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Great Lettuce

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Plant Profile

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