wall lettuce
Mycelis muralis (L.) Dumort.
Overview
- Appearance
- Mycelis muralis is a slender, glabrous, herbaceous plant. It is annual to biennial depending on the habitat. Stems are erect, 2-3 ft. (0.6-0.9 m) tall, branched above and may one or more stems from a fibrous root. The stem surface is glabrous, often glaucous, and exudes milky juice when broken.
- Foliage
- Basal and lower stem leaves are 2.5-7 in. (6.4-17.8 cm) long, 1-3 in. (2.5-7.6 cm) wide, glabrous and deeply lobed, with broad, terminal segments. Leaf base is auriculate (lobed). The few middle and upper stem leaves are reduced in size.
- Flowers
- Each flower head is comprised of 5 yellow, strap-shaped ray florets.
- Fruit
- Achenes are approximately 0.13 in. (0.33 cm) long, several-nerved, and black or brown with white pappus that may disperse seeds long distances by wind.
- Ecological Threat
- Mycelis muralis reproduces exclusively by seed. A plant may produce up to 500 seeds in shaded sites and up to 11,500 seeds in open sites. Wall lettuce can grow in deep shade and full sun. It is adapted to a range of soil conditions. It readily invades disturbed habitats.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State List - This map identifies those states that list this species on their invasive species list or law. For more information, visit Invasive.org
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Subclass: Asteridae |
| Order: Asterales |
| Family: Asteraceae |
| Genus: Mycelis |
| Subject: Mycelis muralis (L.) Dumort. |
Synonyms and Other Names
Other Common Names:
wall-lettuce
References
Common Name Reference: Weed Science Society of America Common Names List
Scientific Name Reference: PLANTS Database