Family: Asteraceae
Author: (L.) E.Mey.
Bibliography: Chloris Han.: 431 (1836)
Year: 1836
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lactuca
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe to Medit. and Caucasus
Description
Wall-lettuce, scientifically known as Lactuca muralis, is a notable member of the Asteraceae family. This plant was first detailed in 1836 in the publication “Chloris Han.” under the authorship of (L.) E.Mey. Originating from Europe, Wall-lettuce extends its natural range to the Mediterranean and the mountainous Caucasus region.
A distinctive feature of Lactuca muralis is its ability to thrive in a variety of environments, showcasing the resilience typical of species within the Asteraceae family. The plant often graces old stone walls and rocky outcrops, utilizing even the smallest crevices to establish itself. This ability to grow in seemingly inhospitable places is a trait that makes Wall-lettuce both fascinating and robust.
Wall-lettuce, like many of its Asteraceae relatives, is characterized by its composite flower head. The flowers are typically yellow and arranged in a panicle, contributing to the plant’s delicate yet pronounced presence. Its leaves are another identifying feature, being lobed and providing the plant with a distinctive and somewhat delicate appearance that contrasts its hardy nature.
The geographical spread of Lactuca muralis encompasses a wide ecological range. From the temperate zones of Europe to the more challenging climates of the Mediterranean basin and the Caucasus, Wall-lettuce demonstrates a remarkable adaptability. This broad distribution is indicative of the plant’s versatility and its evolutionary success across various landscapes and climate conditions.
In summary, Lactuca muralis, or Wall-lettuce, stands out not only for its botanical characteristics but also for its historical and geographical journey. Its presence from Europe to the Mediterranean and all the way to the Caucasus underscores its adaptability and resilience, hallmarks of the Asteraceae family. This plant, though perhaps humble in appearance, continues to be a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Common Names
En: Wall-lettuce, Wall lettuce
Ar: خس جداري
Be: Міцэліс сценны
Bg: Стенна салата
Ca: Cicèrbita, Lletuge de bosc
Hr: Zidna salatika
Cs: Mléčka zední
Da: Skovsalat
Nl: Muursla
Et: Harilik jänesesalat
Fi: Jänönsalaatti
Fr: Laitue des murailles
De: Mauerlattich, Gewöhnlicher Mauerlattich
Lt: Miškinė zuiksalotė, Zuiksalotė
No: Skogsalat
Pl: Sałatnik leśny
Sk: Šalátovka múrová
Es: Lechuga de los murros
Sv: Skogssallat
Cy: Gwylaeth y fagwyr
Synonyms
- Mycelis muralis f. integrifolia ((Beckhaus) Soó)
- Prenanthes multiflosculosa (Nees)
- Cicerbita muralis ((L.) Wallr.)
- Prenanthes muralis (L.)
- Phaenixopus muralis ((L.) W.D.J.Koch)
- Lactuca erysimifolia (DC.)
- Mycelis muralis ((L.) Dumort.)
- Lapsana erysimifolia (Thell.)
- Mycelis angulosa (Cass.)
- Cicerbita muralis subsp. gaditana (Mejías)
- Hieracium pauciflorum (Bernh.)
- Prenanthes erysimifolia (Willd.)
- Chondrilla muralis ((L.) Lam.)
- Lactuca atlantica (Pomel)
- Hieracium mycelis (E.H.L.Krause)
- Chondrilla erysimifolia (Poir.)
- Prenanthes vulgaris (Gueldenst.)
- Chondrilla ruderalis (Gaertn. ex Steud.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Austria (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Corse (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- Denmark (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Finland (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Italy (native)
- Krym (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Norway (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- British Columbia (introduced)
- Maine (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- Michigan (introduced)
- Minnesota (introduced)
- New Hampshire (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Ontario (introduced)
- Oregon (introduced)
- Québec (introduced)
- Vermont (introduced)
- Washington (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jul 27, 2021 by François Rey (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 13, 2022 by arakis garazi (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2021 by ellestelle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Greepsu _ (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Jeroen Jeurissen (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2022 by santos Alessandra (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2021 by François Rey (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 28, 2020 by tigerles (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Ruth (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 3, 2013 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 1, 2022 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 28, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2022 by Jean-Marc Vanel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2022 by Magalie Delalande (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Václav Meškan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2021 by Denisa Regine Novotná (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2021 by christophe gorla (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 24, 2022 by Anne de Rivaz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 28, 2021 by barci Petr (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 4, 2022 by Pavel Veselý (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 27, 2020 by Karen Vorberg (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 27, 2020 by Karen Vorberg (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- WFO (No URL)
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60439779-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lactuca muralis (L.) Fresen.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7989738)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 5
Atmospheric humidity: 6
Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]
Soil nutriments: 6