September 2006
Ohio Prairie Plant of the MonthSpecies
Common Name Rough White Lettuce
Latin Name: Prenanthes aspera [Pronounced: "pree-NAN-thees ASP-er-ah"]
Type of Plant: Prairie Forb
Identification Helps: Moderate to tall, to 5-ft, with inconspicuous cream-colored1-inch flowers along stem toward the top. The stem is rough.
Similar Species: Prenanthes racemosa, Smooth White Lettuce, is very similar (and much more common), with smooth stems.
Preferred Growing Conditions in the Wild: This prairie forb tends to grow only in lighter, will-drained soils.
Seasons of Growth and Bloom: This forb blooms at the end of the prairie blooming season, in August and September.
Natural Distribution in Ohio: Rough White Lettuce is one of Ohio's rarest prairie plants, with only a few locations in Adams County and a single population of about 25 plants in Erie County.
Description and General Information: Prenanthes aspera can be easily overlooked. It has a single long stem, with non-showy cream flowers along the upper portions. The reasons for the plant's rarity in Ohio are unknown.