Description
Lactuca intricata (also called Intricate Lettuce, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1 m tall. It is native to North America, and it typically grows in open fields, meadows, and along roadsides.
Uses & Benefits
Lactuca intricata is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, inflammation, and digestive disorders. It is also used as a fodder plant for livestock.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Lactuca intricata is yellow and has a diameter of about 2 cm. The seed is a small, dark brown achene, with a diameter of about 1 mm. The seedlings are small, with a single, long, narrow leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Lactuca intricata is a perennial herb that can be propagated from seed or by division of the rootstock. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. To propagate from seed, sow the seeds in a well-drained soil in the spring. To propagate by division, dig up the rootstock in the spring and divide it into smaller sections, making sure each section has some roots attached. Plant the divisions in a well-drained soil in the sun.
Where to Find Lactuca intricata
Lactuca intricata is native to the United States and can be found in the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.