Mission Lettuce
Dudleya edulis
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Pl. 49EF — Dudleya edulis
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IOverview
Overview
Mission Lettuce (Dudleya edulis) is a perennial forb or herb native to the dry and rocky habitats of California and northwest Mexico. Known for its light-loving nature, this plant thrives in full sun with well-drained soil that can be either sandy or medium-textured. It requires minimal water and is hardy in zones 7-10. The edible parts include the leaves and stems, making it a useful addition to gardens where it can grow up to 0.5 meters tall. Its distinctive feature lies in its succulent, rosette-like growth habit, which allows it to store water efficiently in arid conditions.
Quick answers
What is Mission Lettuce?
Mission Lettuce (Dudleya edulis) is a perennial forb or herb native to the dry and rocky habitats of California and northwest Mexico. Known for its light-loving nature, this plant thrives in full sun with well-drained soil that can be either sandy or medium-textured.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mission Lettuce thrives in full sun and is hardy in temperate regions from USDA zones 7 to 10. It prefers well-draining soil that can be light (sandy) or medium-textured and requires dry to moist conditions. Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. This perennial grows up to 0.5 meters tall and is an edible plant, with its leaves and stems being the parts used for consumption.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
7-10
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mission Lettuce for the first time
8steps
Start with basic care for Mission Lettuce, focusing on sunlight and minimal watering.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, a pot or garden bed, well-draining soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a light, sandy mix. Ensure pots have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds or transplant young plants into prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rotting the roots. Keep in partial shade if needed.
- 6
Ongoing care
Place in full sun but protect from intense heat. Water only when dry, every 2-3 weeks.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesStem
Edible uses: Mission Lettuce, or Dudleya edulis, is edible and its leaves and stems are commonly consumed. Typically, the plant is harvested for its tender leaves, which can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The stems are also used, often prepared by boiling before being added to dishes.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 2 native
Broader regions
native:California, Mexico Northwest
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 49effd69-6aaf-4c03-80c4-0eaae264c9fd
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