Perennial lettuce, Mountain lettuce, Blue lettuce
Lactuca perennis

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A medium sized herb. It is hairless and keeps growing from year to year. The stems are erect and branched above. The leaves are grey-green and divided into lobes along the stalk. The segments are narrow. The upper leaves usually do not have stalks and half clasp the stem. The flower heads are pale blue to lilac. They are 30-40 mm across and borne in broad, flat topped groups. Each flower head has 12-20 rays. The achene is 10-14 mm long and black.

There are about 20 Lactuca species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in dry habitats and on rocky and stony ground. It is usually on limestone. It suits hardiness zone 5.

Countries/locations it is found in

Balkans, Bosnia, Croatia, Europe, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Slovenia, Yugoslavia

How it is used for food

Young or blanched leaves are used in salads. They can be eaten boiled.

It is sold in local markets

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Divlja salata

Synonyms

Cyanoseris perennis Schur; Lactuca deggleriana Hegetschw.;