A harried past for a glabrous lettuce: Resurrection of Lactuca sanguinea Bigelow (Cichorieae), the wood lettuce from Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, USA

Steven M. Ballou

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, 3700 Walker Ave, Memphis, TN 38152, U.S.A.

Kelly A. Omand

Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Science and Stewardship Department, Nantucket MA 02554, U.S.A

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5984-5171

Jennifer Karberg

Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Science and Stewardship Department, Nantucket MA 02554, U.S.A

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8130-5572

J. Mauricio Bonifacino

Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de la República, Av. Garzón 780, Montevideo, URUGUAY

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0377-3853

Jennifer R. Mandel

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, 3700 Walker Ave, Memphis, TN 38152, U.S.A.

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3539-2991

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.53875/capitulum.02.2.05

ABSTRACT:  We resurrect from synonymy Lactuca sanguinea based on morphological analysis of herbarium specimens and field observations. We report recent populations of Lactuca sanguinea occurring in several locations across Nantucket Island in Massachusetts, USA, and provide the first collections in over fifty years within the state. The species consistently has predominantly dark purple-red stems and leaves and crimson corollas, which together with its glabrous nature sets it apart from Lactuca hirsuta. We designate a lectotype, present an expanded morphological description and taxonomic history for the species and provide line drawings and images.

Keywords: Asteraceae, collections, Compositae, herbarium, synonym, taxonomy.