Our Wild Lettuce (Lactuca virosa) seeds have germinated ......

[David from Dothan]

....aka Opium Lettuce.........A plant with natural pain killing properties of opiates without the side effects or addictive properties. It's use as a natural pain killer goes back to ancient Egypt and is/has been used by Native Americans.

 

[DirtMechanic]

I planted no lettuce this winter. How is the oddball plant? Any ID yet?

 

[David from Dothan]

I planted no lettuce this winter. How is the oddball plant? Any ID yet?

Still growing......still no idea....still waiting....hahahaha

 

[David from Dothan]

2 1/2 months later.....

 

[DirtMechanic]

How does it taste raw?

 

[David from Dothan]

How does it taste raw?

It's, actually, a source of a natural, very strong pain reliever.......reportedly compared to an opiate, but without ANY of the side effects.

 

[David from Dothan]

How does it taste raw?

 

[Becky]

It's, actually, a source of a natural, very strong pain reliever.......reportedly compared to an opiate, but without ANY of the side effects.

That's really interesting! Do you know where it is native to? Don't think I've seen it here in the UK, but I take codeine for my back pain and I'd be interested to know how effective this is.

 

[David from Dothan]

That's really interesting! Do you know where it is native to? Don't think I've seen it here in the UK, but I take codeine for my back pain and I'd be interested to know how effective this is.

Surprise.....according to Wikipedia.....

 

[Becky]

Oh that's a surprise! Thanks I've just noticed that you put the latin name in your topic title - sorry, should have looked it up myself!

I used to live on the South coast but I now live in the North West. Might see if I can find it when I visit my step-dad next (he's still on the South coast).

@zigs have you seen it growing in the wild? If so have you ever tried it?

 

[David from Dothan]

Oh that's a surprise! Thanks I've just noticed that you put the latin name in your topic title - sorry, should have looked it up myself!

I used to live on the South coast but I now live in the North West. Might see if I can find it when I visit my step-dad next (he's still on the South coast).

@zigs have you seen it growing in the wild? If so have you ever tried it?

I have, Becky. When I lived in the country, I had 4 acres and this plant would pop up here and there. Not being aware of what is was (thought it was some kind of dandelion plant on steroids), I would pull them up......so, have not tried it, YET.

 

[Silentrunning]

View attachment 46620 ....aka Opium Lettuce.........A plant with natural pain killing properties of opiates without the side effects or addictive properties. It's use as a natural pain killer goes back to ancient Egypt and is/has been used by Native Americans.

David, where did you get the seeds?

 

[David from Dothan]

David, where did you get the seeds?

I was able to find them on eBay.........

 

[zigs]

Oh that's a surprise! Thanks I've just noticed that you put the latin name in your topic title - sorry, should have looked it up myself!

I used to live on the South coast but I now live in the North West. Might see if I can find it when I visit my step-dad next (he's still on the South coast).

@zigs have you seen it growing in the wild? If so have you ever tried it?

Not found it so far, but not looked for it either, I'll keep an eye open this summer

 

[David from Dothan]

UPDATE.........It's been almost 4 months since the seeds germinated. Have JUST transferred this one into a large pot. Transplanted 2 in the in-ground bed in the backyard last Thursday. Have one more to transplant.