Lapsana communis 'Nipplewort'

[Ex. Durham, England]

Asteraceae/Compositae: an annual or short-lived perennial herbaceous plant to 1–1.2m, with erect, hairy branching stems and clear (not milky) sap. Found on waste ground, roadsides and walls, avoiding acid soils, in full sun or semi-shade. The flowers are yellow, 1–2 cm diameter, they appear numerous in loose clusters at the top of the stem. The leaves are alternate and pinnate. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Scandinavia south and east to North Africa, western and central Asia.

USES:

The young leaves and shoots can be eaten raw or cooked. They are best harvested before the plant comes into flower. The leaves can be added to salads, cooked like spinach or added to soups and casseroles. They have a bitter or radish-like taste. Used for Tortoise Food.

GROWING INFORMATION:

sow in situ during the spring or as soon as it is ripe and only just cover the seed. Plants usually self-sow when they are well-sited. Nipplewort will maintain itself in the garden so long as it is given some disturbed soil in which to self-sow. It is a tolerant plant that succeeds in most soils, so long as they are not too acid, and dislikes heavy shade. It was at one time cultivated as a vegetable.

HARVESTED: 2022*

 
APPROX. 200+ SEEDS