White Lettuce (Nabalus albus) - Ontario Wildflowers

White Lettuce
Nabalus albus
(formerly Prenanthes alba)

White Lettuce (Nabalus albus) Other common names: White Rattlesnake-root

Other scientific names: Prenanthes alba

French names: Prenanthe blanche

Family: Composite Family (Asteraceae)

Group: Lettuces, Prenanthes/Nabalus

Similar species:
  •   Three-leaved Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus trifoliolatus)
  •   Tall Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus altissimus)
  •   Glaucous Rattlesnakeroot (Nabalus racemosus)

Flowers: Summer;  White, Red/Pink;  7 or more parts (petals)

Leaves: Alternate, Simple, Toothed

Habitat: Forests

Grows in Sun/Shade: Shade

Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 384

Native/Non-native: Native

Origin and Meaning of Names:
Scientific Name: alba: white

Photographs: 167 photographs available, of which 10 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Range Map is at the bottom of the page

Wildflowers ● Lettuces ● Prenanthes/Nabalus

White Lettuce (Nabalus albus)

The beautiful flower of White Lettuce.

White Lettuce (Nabalus albus)

Ripening seeds of White Lettuce.

White Lettuce (Nabalus albus)

Flower buds atop the stem.

White Lettuce (Nabalus albus)

White Lettuce leaves are highly variable. The ones shown here are more common. However, many shapes and sizes are possible.

White Lettuce (Nabalus albus)

It is advisable to not use leaf shape to identify Prenanthes/Nabalus.

White Lettuce (Nabalus albus)

More shapes of White Lettuce leaves.

White Lettuce (Nabalus albus)

And yet another White Lettuce leaf.

White Lettuce (Nabalus albus)

White Lettuce leaf in the late summer.

Wildflowers ● Lettuces ● Prenanthes/Nabalus

Range map for White Lettuce (Nabalus albus)

PLEASE NOTE: A coloured Province or State means this species occurs somewhere in that Province/State.
The entire Province/State is coloured, regardless of where in that Province/State it occurs.

(Range map provided courtesy of the USDA website and is displayed here in accordance with their Policies)

White Lettuce Nabalus albus(formerly Prenanthes alba)

White Lettuce
Nabalus albus
(formerly Prenanthes alba)