Canada lettuce
Lactuca canadensis
Synonyms: Lactuca villosa, Lactuca canadensis f. pallida, Cicerbita elongata, Lactuca caroliniana, Lactuca canadensis f. villicaulis, Lactuca elongata, Lactuca canadensis var. albocaerulea, Lactuca canadensis f. exauriculata, Lactuca canadensis f. angustata, Lactuca elongata var. longifolia, Galathenium elongatum, Agathyrsus acuminatus, Mulgedium canadensis, Lactuca sagittifolia, Lactuca canadensis f. stenopoda, Cicerbita canadensis, Lactuca canadensis f. steelei, Wiestia canadensis, Wiestia elongata, Lactuca steelei, Sonchus pallidus, Lactuca canadensis var. obovata, Lactuca canadensis f. angustipes, Lactuca canadensis var. longifolia, Lactuca canadensis var. latifolia, Lactuca canadensis var. spinulosa, Lactuca canadensis var. montana, Lactuca canadensis var. typica, Lactuca canadensis f. albocaerulea, Lactuca canadensis var. angustifolia, Galathenium salicifolium, Lactuca procera, Mulgedium integrifolium, Lactuca canadensis f. spinulosa, Lactuca canadensis var. elongata, Lactuca canadensis var. laciniata, Galathenium integrifolium
Western Herbalism Properties
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Botanical Description
Lactuca canadensis, the Canada lettuce or wild lettuce, is a tall biennial herb in the family Asteraceae growing from a taproot to typical heights of 50–200 cm or more. The alternate stem leaves are deeply pinnately lobed and occasionally toothed, though smaller upper leaves may have shallow lobes or none at all. Like other members of the genus the plant exudes a milky white latex (lactucarium) when injured. The top of the stem bears a many-headed paniculate inflorescence, with each capitulum up to 1 cm wide and composed of pale yellow ray florets, opening dandelion-like from late summer into early fall. Fruits are dark achenes about 0.5 cm long crowned with a white pappus and dispersed by wind. The species is native to eastern and central North America, occurring across most of the continental United States and Canadian provinces in woodlands, thickets, savannas, lake and river borders, and disturbed ground.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
The latex (lactucarium) and aerial parts of Lactuca canadensis were widely employed in eastern Woodland Native American medicine. The Cherokee used the plant as an analgesic, dermatological aid, sedative and stimulant, applying it both internally and externally for pain and skin complaints (Hamel & Chiltoskey, 1975). The Iroquois employed decoctions and infusions as an eye medicine, hemostat, kidney aid and orthopaedic aid, and also as a ceremonial medicine (Herrick, 1977). The young leaves were occasionally eaten as a cooked potherb. The Menominee and Chippewa likewise used the latex as a mild sedative consistent with the sedative tradition surrounding wild lettuce species more broadly.
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.