Valerianella locusta

Corn lettuce

Family Valerianaceae

Valerianella locusta, corn lettuce (V. locusta 1), is annual herb, up to 25 cm tall, resembling lettuce, with spatulate leaves and white, bluish or pinkish flowers in terminal inflorescences. The fruit is an achene.

Distribution and use
Corn lettuce grows wild in Europe and is cultivated for its leaves, which are used in salads. Because of its resistance to cold, it is cultivated as a substitute for lettuce in winter and early spring.