New to P.E.M.U.? Start here: https://bigpigblog.com/2015/03/20/p-e-m-u-project/ Do the work!! Use a good field guide for identification and start your own botanical journey. Items in “bold” are first hand experience.

This week’s featured plant is a springtime favorite, Wild Lettuce..

Wild Lettuce (Lactuca canadensis)

Aster Family – Botany in a Day page 163

Identification – Nature’s Garden page 425

• “V” shaped mid-vein with hairs
• Tan milky sap
• Hollow stem

P-oisonous

• Potential narcotic effect

E-dible

• Leaves – raw
• Leaves – cooked
• Stem – raw
• Stem cooked

M-edicinal

• Sap – sedative (Lactucarium)
• Sap – warts
• Infusion – sedative

U-seful

Wild lettuce, wild boar, and sochan..

Resources:

PFAF – http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Lactuca+canadensis

Eattheweeds – http://www.eattheweeds.com/the-lettuce-labyrinth-sorting-out-species-2/

Interested in learning more about the Poisonous, Edible, Medicinal, and Useful plants around us? Check out BPO’s foraging classes – http://www.bigpigoutdoors.net/poisonous–edible–medicinal—-useful-plants.html