Bitter Lettuce
Lactuca virosa
- Native to:
- Algeria, Austria, Baleares, Belgium, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Madeira, Morocco, Netherlands, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Romania, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Switzerland
Oceancetaceen - Alice Chodura
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Lactuca
- Species:
- Lactuca virosa
- USDA Symbol:
- LAVI8
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Biennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- poor, sandy, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to disturbed, open habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 14–30 days
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; surface sow and keep moist.