Asteraceae

Mycelis muralis

Wall Lettuce

Erect, slender plant with widely branched stems; contains milky sap. Leaves clasping; lower leaves unusually pinnately divided into usually 5 large angular, toothed segments; few upper leaves smaller. Inflorescence consists of open clusters of many flower heads, each with 5 yellow, extended, ray-like disk flowers. Many flower heads open only for morning; flying seeds with long white bristles more noticeable in afternoon. Native of Europe, now found in large numbers along roads even in logged areas.

• Rarity: Common
• Flowering Time: All Summer
• Life Cycle: Annual
• Height: 2--4 feet
• Habitat: West-Side Forest, Meadow, Disturbed
• Found In: Mt. Rainier Np, Olympic Np, N Cascades Np, Siskiyous
• Native: No