Nipplewort
Lapsana communis
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Pl. 31BA — Lapsana communis
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IOverview
Overview
Nipplewort (Lapsana communis) is an annual herb that thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH of 7-7.5. Native to regions including Albania, Algeria, and Austria, it has spread widely across Europe and parts of Asia. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, this plant can grow up to 0.9 meters tall. It is commonly found in various habitats such as fields and roadsides, making it adaptable to different environments. One distinctive feature of nipplewort is its light, airy appearance, which contributes to its ornamental value despite being primarily cultivated for its edible parts.
Quick answers
What is Nipplewort?
Nipplewort (Lapsana communis) is an annual herb that thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH of 7-7.5. Native to regions including Albania, Algeria, and Austria, it has spread widely across Europe and parts of Asia. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, this plant can grow up to 0.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Nipplewort thrives in light to medium soil with a pH of 7-7.5 and prefers moist conditions. It is hardy in temperate regions (zones 4-8) and grows up to 0.9 meters tall as an annual forb/herb. For best results, plant the edible leaves and shoots in well-drained light sandy, medium, or clay soils, ensuring they receive adequate moisture. Skip mulching if natural rainfall is sufficient.
Light
4/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.9 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Nipplewort for the first time
8steps
Nipplewort is a straightforward annual herb for beginners, perfect for your first gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil. Ensure containers have good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep or transplant young plants into the garden.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and protect from strong winds during this critical period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially in dry spells, and mulch to retain moisture. Pinch back shoots for bushier growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms and remove any yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too sunny a spot, neglecting regular pruning, not mulching properly, and using unsuitable containers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The leaves and shoots of nipplewort are edible. They can be prepared fresh or cooked in various ways. The plant is typically harvested when young for use in salads or as a cooked vegetable. Skip the detailed preparation methods here to keep it concise.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe17 regions
native (17)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyRussiaSpainUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)IranIraqKazakhstan
Africa1 region
native (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Altay, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, East Aegean Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 31ba13ae-49af-46c5-bc04-f5bbff1b97a2
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