Lapsana communis
common nipplewort, nipplewort
blades 1–15(–30) × 1–7(–10) cm.
5–10 × 3–4 mm.
7–10 mm.
3–9 mm.
bractlets keeled in fruit, 0.5–1 mm.
5–25(–100+).
3–5 mm.
= 12, 14, 16.
Lapsana communis
AK; AR; AZ; CA; CO; CT; ID; IL; IN; KY; MA; MD; ME; MI; MO; NC; ND; NJ; NY; OH; OK; OR; PA; RI; TN; TX; UT; VA; VT; WA; WI; WV; BC; ON; QC; SK; Greenland; Eurasia [Introduced in North America]
Lapsana communis is widely distributed in North America. It is easily recognized by the abruptly constricted lyrate leaves with relatively large terminal lobes, heads of relatively small flowers with yellow corollas, keeled phyllaries, and epappose cypselae. It is aggressively weedy and often found in shady disturbed sites. The milky juice of L. communis is said to be soothing to sensitive skin, particularly on the nipples of nursing mothers.
(Discussion copyrighted by Flora of North America; reprinted with permission.)
- Local floras:
BC, 
CA, 
OR, 
WA - Local Web sites: CalFlora, CalPhotos,
Flora NW, 
Go Botany, 
IL Wildflowers, 
MD Biodiversity, 
MI Flora, 
MO Plants, 
PNW Herbaria, Turner Photog. 
WildflowerSearch
iNaturalist (observations)
USDA Plants Database- LBJ Wildflower Center
- SEINet
- Plants of the World Online
- Encyclopedia of Life
- Wikipedia
- Google Image Search
