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