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Prickly Lettuce
Lactuca serriola
In the United States:
Invasive
· also called wild lettuce, compass plant
Listed as invasive. Check local regulations — several jurisdictions restrict planting.
Honeybees forage on prickly lettuce for small amounts of nectar and pollen during its summer-to-fall flowering period, with peak bloom in late summer in temperate zones. This tall annual thrives in full sun on disturbed, dry soils and can reach 6 feet, offering incidental support to colonies in weedy habitats. While primarily self-pollinating, it draws some insect visitors, but beekeepers may need to manage its spread in apiary vicinities.
| Nectar | low |
|---|---|
| Pollen | low |
| Bloom (US) | July–September |
| Duration | ~2 months |
| Type | Perennial |
| Sun | full |