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Description
Lactuca Muralis, commonly known as wall lettuce, is a biennial or perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe but has spread to other parts of the world, including North America. The plant grows up to 30-100 cm tall and has hairy stems that support the leaves and flowers. The leaves are lanceolate, lobed, and light green. The flowers are yellow and arranged in panicles. The plant blooms from July to September.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Lactuca |
Appearance
Wall lettuce has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other plants. The leaves are lobed and light green, and the flowers are yellow. The stems are hairy, and the plant can grow up to 30-100 cm tall. The plant blooms from July to September, and the flowers are arranged in panicles.
Care Guide
Wall lettuce is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: Wall lettuce needs regular watering, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.- Soil: Wall lettuce prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can grow in shaded areas but may not flower as well.- Hardiness Zones: Wall lettuce can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Wall lettuce is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to some common problems, including:- Aphids: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves.- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat the leaves and damage the plant.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery substance to form on the leaves, leading to yellowing and stunted growth.
Habitat
Wall lettuce is native to Europe but has spread to other parts of the world, including North America. The plant grows in a variety of habitats, including open fields, meadows, roadsides, and waste areas. It can tolerate a range of soil types and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is wall lettuce edible?
A: Yes, wall lettuce is edible and has a slightly bitter taste. It can be added to salads or cooked like spinach.
Q: Can wall lettuce be grown indoors?
A: Yes, wall lettuce can be grown indoors in a sunny location. Use a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist.
Q: How often should wall lettuce be fertilized?
A: Wall lettuce should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How do I propagate wall lettuce?
A: Wall lettuce can be propagated by seed or by dividing the plant in the spring.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to wall lettuce:- Lactuca sativa (Lettuce)- Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce)- Lactuca virosa (Wild Lettuce)
References
– “Lactuca muralis (potherb) – CABI.org.” CABI.org, https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/31732. Accessed 22 Oct. 2021.- “Wall Lettuce (Lactuca muralis) – Plant Identification.” YouTube, uploaded by The Nature Coach, 24 July 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XN5Q5U6Y5U. Accessed 22 Oct. 2021.- “Wall Lettuce (Lactuca muralis) – Garden.org.” Garden.org, https://garden.org/plants/view/78011/Wall-Lettuce-Lactuca-muralis/. Accessed 22 Oct. 2021.
