(69 votes, average: 3.29 out of 5)
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Prickly Wild Lettuce
Edible 
Spring 
Summer
A very common plant that will grow almost anywhere where it get lots of sun and little competition from other plants. It is very similar in look and medicinal effects to Wild Lettuce, Lactuca virosa.
| Hedgerow Type | |
| Common Names | Prickly Wild Lettuce, Wild Lettuce, Opium Lettuce |
| Scientific Name | Lactuca serriola |
| Season Start | Apr |
| Season End | Sep |
Leaves
Greyish green with spines along the edges and the midrib on the underside. The base of the leaf wraps partway around the stem.
Flowers
Delicate small yellow flowers that can have a purple tinge on the underside and edges of the petals. The flowers open in the morning and will usually be shut by early afternoon.
Flower Buds
In clusters with purple marks.
Seeds
Has a Dandelion like clock of parachutes with a relatively large black seed attached to the base.
Stem
Green, sometimes with red or purple marks and covered in short spines that can be green, red or purple.
Habitat
Will grow almost anywhere sunny with little competition like between paving slabs, gaps in walls, flower beds and especially freshly disturbed soil around field edges.
Possible Confusion
Could be confused with Sow Thistle, pictured, especially one of the prickly species but this is not a problem as both are edible.
Looks a little like Wild Lettuce, Lactuca virosa, but it lacks the spines of Prickly Wild Lettuce.
Taste
It can be quite bitter and needs the spines removing but is good covered in dressing in a mixed salad.
Frequency
Common.
Medicinal Uses
Prickly Wild Lettuce and Wild Lettuce contain Lactucarium, a substance similar to opium and both have been used to treat pain, insomnia, anxiety and restlessness and although scientific studies supporting this in humans is lacking, there have been positive results using mice.
14 comments for Prickly Wild Lettuce
Prickly Wild Lettuce and Wild Lettuce contain Lactucarium, a substance similar to opium and both have been used to treat pain, insomnia, anxiety and restlessness and although scientific studies supporting this in humans is lacking, there have been positive results using mice.
Do I dry and crush the mice first before using to help cure insomnia or just eat them fresh? 🙂
😂 no you have to sugar them!
😝……………….
After several failed attempts I am definitely going to try the sugar method – anything to slow the buggers down and stop them running off my plate……
You have to blend up the leaves, then boil it down until brown and pastey
An alcohol tincture from the leaves is best. Never goes bad. Powerful stuff 1/2 teaspoonful puts me out like a light for several hours.
Do you dry the leaves first or use them fresh?
Does this species help with inflammation? I have it growing wild in my yard.
Wild Lettuce has been documented as a sedative and anti inflammatory for many years. I’m not sure of the best way to apply/use it, we are a foraging company but there is a lot of research into the subject that can be found online.
how wonderful wild plants in you garden that just happen to be very helpful treating pain and inflammation, your own backyard pharmacy ☺️👍🌿🌲🌱🌳☘️
is lactuca virosa safe to eat in general? there seem to be really conflicting information online
Wild lettuce is safe to eat as long as you don’t eat large amounts regularly, which is true of many foods. It can have a sedative effect with other side effects if eaten in too large an amount but eating it in a salad or part of another meal will do you no harm.
Me gustaría saber si la planta que crece en mi jardín es la lechuga silvestre, es muy parecida. Si envío una fotografía tal vez alguien me puede ayudar
Gracias
Arturo
You can send photos to admin@wildfooduk and we will try to ID the plant for you.