Lactuca graminifolia

Biennials, 25–90(–150+) cm. Leaves on proximal 1/3–1/2 of each stem; blades of undivided cauline leaves spatulate to lance-linear, margins entire or denticulate, midribs sometimes setose. Heads in ± paniculiform arrays. Involucres 12–20+ mm. Phyllaries usually reflexed in fruit. Florets 15–20+; corollas bluish to purplish, usually deliquescent. Cypselae: bodies brown (often mottled), ± flattened, elliptic, 5–6 mm, beaks ± filiform, 2–4 mm, faces 1(–3)-nerved; pappi white, 5–9 mm. 2n = 34.

Phenology: Flowering (Feb–)Apr–Jun(–Sep).
Habitat: Sandy ridges, pine forests, canyons
Elevation: 10–1700 m

Ala., Ariz., Colo., Fla., Ga., La., Miss., N.J., N.Mex., N.C., S.C., Tex., Mexico (Chihuahua), Central America.

Discussion

Plants in the western populations of Lactuca graminifolia have been called L. graminifolia var. arizonica McVaugh; they may belong to a Mexican species.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa