Etymology: Lactuca: name for "milk"
Plants: erect, annual/biennial, 2' - 6 1/2' tall forb with milky juice; stems leafy
Leaves: mostly stalked, bases not arrow-shaped, toothed to pinnately-divided
Flowers: head 3/8" wide with 11-17 blue to white rays; inflorescence with many heads in open branched cluster; blooms June-Sept.
Fruits: dry seed with several obvious lines on both sides, on white, fluffy pappus
Habitat: moist; thickets, woods
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 5, Wetland Indicator = FAC- USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key.