blue lettuce

Lactuca pulchella

characteristics

An erect biennial or short-lived perennial with smooth stems and bluish-green leaves. Flowers are pale blue to purple, with several in open clusters. The entire plant contains a milky sap which dries and hardens when exposed to the air. Often seen growing in patches.
Considered to be a noxious weed in many regions. A member of the aster family.

This plant contains lactucarium which has mild narcotic effects.

Starts from seed, bare root.

habitat

Moist prairie, streambanks, and thickets.

uses

The young leaves were used, raw or cooked, by North American aboriginals.