Family: Asteraceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 796 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lactuca
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe
Description
Blue lettuce, scientifically known as Lactuca perennis, is a captivating perennial plant native to Europe. First documented in 1753 by the esteemed botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work, “Species Plantarum,” this plant belongs to the distinguished Asteraceae family, which is known for encompassing a variety of significant flowering plants.
The allure of blue lettuce lies in its striking blue flowers, which offer a delightful contrast to the green foliage, adding a charming touch to natural landscapes and gardens alike. The plant typically flourishes in sunny areas with well-drained soil, making it a resilient and relatively low-maintenance addition to horticultural collections.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, blue lettuce holds ecological importance. Its flowers attract a host of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which play a crucial role in maintaining the health and biodiversity of ecosystems. Moreover, by contributing to soil stabilization, the plant aids in the prevention of erosion.
Despite its common name, blue lettuce should not be confused with edible lettuce varieties commonly used in cuisine. Blue lettuce is primarily appreciated for its ornamental and ecological contributions rather than as a food source.
In summary, Lactuca perennis is a notable perennial of European origin, celebrated for its beautiful blue blooms and significant role within its native habitat. Its historical documentation by Linnaeus underscores its longstanding recognition and value within the scientific and gardening communities.
Common Names
Deu: blauer lattich, dauer-lattich
Fra: chevrille, laitue de bruyère, laitue vivace, lâche, salade-de-lièvre
Lit: daugiametė salota
Dan: flerårig salat
Ita: lattuga rupestre
Ces: locika vytrvalá
Sqi: marule shumëvjeçare
Pol: sałata trwała
Eng: blue lettuce, mountain lettuce
Swe: blåsallat
Bul: пролетна салата
Nld: blauwe sla
En: Blue lettuce, Mountain lettuce, Perennial Lettuce
Sq: Marule shumëvjeçare
Ar: خس الغاب
Bg: Пролетна салата
Ca: Xicoira gran
Cs: Locika vytrvalá
Da: Flerårig salat
Nl: Blauwe sla
Fr: Laitue Vivace, Chevrille, Laitue de bruyère, Lâche, Salade-de-lièvre, Salade de lièvre
De: Blauer Lattich, Dauer-Lattich, Berg-Lattich
It: Lattuga rupestre
Lt: Daugiametė salota
Pl: Sałata trwała
Ru: Латук многолетний
Sk: Šalát trváci
Es: Cardincha de la roca, Lechuga azul
Sv: Blåsallat
Synonyms
- Cyanoseris perennis (Schur)
- Lactuca perennis var. cichoriifolia ((DC.) Gren. & Godr.)
- Lactuca deggeleriana (Hegetschw.)
- Lactuca perennis var. latifolia (Wallr.)
- Lactuca cichoriifolia (DC.)
- Scorzonera caerulea (Saut. ex Rchb.)
- Lactuca perennis var. angustifolia (Wallr.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Romania (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Poland (introduced)
Additional Images
© 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 May 5, 2015 by dominique Marques (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 5, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 11, 2020 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 17, 2017 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 9, 2022 by Jean Burger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2020 by Thomas Michel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2022 by DOMINIQUE BLANC (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 11, 2020 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 5, 2015 by dominique Marques (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2022 by DOMINIQUE BLANC (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 11, 2020 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Nov 24, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 25, 2019 by Fabrice Mélet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2021 by Mireille Delmas (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jun 20, 1853 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jun 3, 2020 by josé laugier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Fabienne PAIRE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2020 by Catmic Catmic (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3140574)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:228164-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lactuca perennis L.)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 7.5
Light: 9
Atmospheric humidity: 3
Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]
Soil nutriments: 5