Wild Lettuce (serriola) - Oregon-Grown

Cut and sifted Lactuca serriola, Prickly Wild Lettuce, wildcrafted from Oregon. This is the sister species to our standard Wild Lettuce (Lactuca virosa) - both are in the lettuce genus and share similar traditional uses, though they are distinct species. Lactuca serriola is the more widely distributed Wild Lettuce species globally and is the closest wild relative of cultivated garden lettuce.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Lactuca serriola

Common names

Prickly Wild Lettuce, Compass Plant, Wild Lettuce (serriola)

Source

Oregon-grown / wildcrafted (Pacific Northwest)

Family

Asteraceae

Traditional uses

Sleep support, calming nervine, traditional European herbalism

Distinct from

Lactuca virosa - sister species, similar traditional uses

Lactuca serriola vs Lactuca virosa

The two Wild Lettuce species - Lactuca virosa and Lactuca serriola - are closely related and share similar traditional uses (sleep support and calming nervine). Lactuca serriola is the more globally distributed species and is the closest wild relative of cultivated garden lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Lactuca virosa has historically been considered the slightly more potent of the two. Both produce the characteristic bitter milky latex (the source of the "Opium Lettuce" nickname despite containing no opiate alkaloids).

About the Locally Grown Line

Our Locally Grown line features herbs cultivated or wildcrafted by partner growers in the Pacific Northwest. The line provides regional context and supports local herbal supply networks.

How to Use Wild Lettuce

For tea: steep 1-2 teaspoons of cut herb per 8 oz cup in hot water for 10 minutes; strain. Also used in tincture form and in smoking blends. The active sesquiterpene lactones (lactucin, lactucopicrin) are bitter and water-poorly-soluble; tincture preparations are often preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Wild Lettuce serriola different from virosa?
Sister species with similar traditional uses. Serriola is more widely distributed; virosa has historically been considered slightly more potent.

Does it contain opiates?
No; despite the "Opium Lettuce" nickname, neither species contains opiate alkaloids.

What is Wild Lettuce used for?
Traditional European nervine for sleep support and gentle calming.

Is this the same as garden lettuce?
Closely related - Lactuca serriola is the closest wild relative of cultivated lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

Why is it called "Compass Plant"?
Lactuca serriola leaves often align north-south to manage sun exposure, leading to the "compass plant" nickname.

Why "Oregon-grown"?
Local sourcing from a Pacific Northwest harvest; supports regional herbal supply networks.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.