Fauna
Plant

Mountain Lettuce

Lactuca perennis

Also known as Blue Lettuce, Perennial Lettuce

Mountain lettuce produces vibrant violet-blue flower heads perched atop erect stems arising from deep taproots. Its deeply lobed blue-green foliage forms basal rosettes that thrive in dry sunny soils and rocky limestone habitats across southern and central Europe. The species flowers from May to August, attracting numerous bees and butterflies to its nectar-rich blooms.

PerennialWildflowerAlpine
Mountain Lettuce reference1 / 7
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Data DeficientConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXData Deficient — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Wild Rabbits
  • Roe Deer
  • Slugs
ThreatsHabitat destruction, brush encroachment, intensive agricultural land use
HabitatsCalcareous grasslands, rocky slopes, scree, limestone cliffs
Life spanPerennial (several years)
Classification
  1. FamilyAsteraceae
  2. SpeciesLactuca perennis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Wild plants have toxic look-alikes; never consume wild foliage based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting: Look for distinct violet-blue dandelion-like flower heads on sunny limestone slopes.
  • Habitat: Search dry, rocky soils and calcareous grasslands during late spring and summer.
  • Photography: Capture the deeply cut foliage alongside the bright sun-loving blooms.
Related species
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