Hairless blue-sow-thistle (Lactuca plumieri, Gren., Godr. (1779). In: Fl. Fr. 2: 322.)

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (L.) Gren. & Godr.

Bibliography: Gren., Godr. (1779). In: Fl. Fr. 2: 322.

Year: 1855

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lactuca

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: C. & S. Europe

Description

The Hairless Blue-Sow-Thistle, scientifically known as Lactuca plumieri, is a distinctive member of the Asteraceae family. First described in 1779 by the renowned botanists Grenier and Godron, this plant has gained recognition through their work in “Flore de France” (Fl. Fr.), finding its place in botanical history.

Characteristically, the Hairless Blue-Sow-Thistle exhibits an unmistakable allure with its typically smooth, unclothed stems and vibrant, sky-blue flowers. Its unique morphology sets it apart from other thistles, primarily due to the absence of the fine, hair-like structures often found on similar species. The plant thrives in diverse habitats across Central and Southern Europe, making it a relatively common sight in these regions.

In its natural environment, Lactuca plumieri can be observed flourishing in a variety of settings, from meadows and clearings to the fringes of woodlands and along roadsides. It has adapted well to these areas, contributing to the biodiversity of the local flora. Its presence supports various pollinators, buzzing from flower to flower, drawn to the plant’s copious sources of nectar.

Despite its delicate appearance, the Hairless Blue-Sow-Thistle is quite resilient, often pushing through the challenges posed by its habitat. The plant’s ability to endure varying climatic conditions speaks to its evolutionary success within its geographical range. Botanists and plant enthusiasts alike admire Lactuca plumieri for its ecological role and striking beauty.

Ultimately, the Hairless Blue-Sow-Thistle stands as a fascinating subject of study for botanists and an enchanting specimen for horticulturists. Its historical botanical documentation by Grenier and Godron provides a crucial insight into the plant’s taxonomy, ensuring that Lactuca plumieri remains a well-noted species within the illustrious family of Asteraceae.

Common Names

Ita: cicerbita di plumier
Fra: cicerbite de plumier, laiteron de plumier, laitue de plumier, mulgédie de plumier
Deu: französischer milchlattich, plumiers milchlattich
Nno: alpeturt
Nob: alpeturt
Swe: fransktorta
Bul: крилатолистна цицербита
Eng: hairless blue-sow-thistle
En: Hairless blue-sow-thistle, Hailess Blue-sow-thisle
Bg: Крилатолистна цицербита
Fr: Laiteron de plumier, Cicerbite de plumier, Laitue de plumier, Mulgédie de Plumier
De: Französischer Milchlattich, Plumiers Milchlattich
It: Cicerbita di Plumier
Nb: Alpeturt
Nn: Alpeturt
Sv: Fransktorta

Synonyms

• Cicerbita plumieri ((L.) Kirschl.)

Distribution

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 27, 2020 by Burnand Sebastien (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Patrick Nard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2020 by Burnand Sebastien (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2021 by christian Ben (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2021 by jf C (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 1, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Zapata Coll (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Claire Absil (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by Georges Pottecher (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 30, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Jean-Luc Genet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by Georges Pottecher (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2020 by johnny Labiche (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 23, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie-France PETIBON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3140260)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lactuca plumieri (L.) Gren. & Godr.)

Specifications

Growth