Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness
Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Lactuca pulchella A.P. de Candolle
(Chicory Lettuce, Blue Lettuce)
Family: Asteraceae
Status: Native
Synonyms:
Lactuca tatarica (Linnaeus) C.A. Meyer subsp. pulchella (Pursh) A.P. de Candolle
Mulgedium pulchellum (Pursh) G. Don
Sonchus pulchellus Pursh
Lactuca pulchella is perennial herb with blue-purple flowerheads. It can be found in disturbed areas, but also in lower Ponderosa Pine forest. The leaves are lanceolate and usually entire but may be shallowly dentate especially at the base. The rays have two shallow notches at the apex.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Lactuca pulchella, photo Russ Kleinman, Bill Norris & Kelly Kindscher, Tularosa River at Apache Creek, Aug. 11, 2009
Lactuca pulchella, closeup of inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Bill Norris & Kelly Kindscher, Tularosa River at Apache Creek, Aug. 11, 2009
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