Nipplewort
Also known as
Common nipplewort, Nipple-wort
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
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Lapsana communis, commonly called nipplewort, is a fast-growing annual to short-lived biennial in the Asteraceae. It forms a basal rosette of lyrate leaves with a large terminal leaflet and smaller lateral lobes, and sends up slender, branched stems 30–100 cm tall. The plant bears many small, bright yellow, dandelion-like flower heads composed of ligulate florets from late spring through summer. Stems and leaves exude a milky latex when cut. Nipplewort thrives in disturbed, fertile, and often shaded sites, and readily self-seeds, making it a frequent volunteer in gardens, hedgerows, and woodland edges. Young leaves and tender shoots are edible with a mild, slightly lettuce-like flavor and are used raw in salads or lightly cooked as a pot herb; older foliage becomes more bitter. While most often encountered as a wild plant or weed, it can be cultivated intentionally for greens, especially in cool, moist conditions. It favors moist, well-drained soils and partial shade, and will bolt and turn bitter in heat or drought.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Nipplewort
Water
Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Aim for about 2.5 cm of water per week from rain and irrigation combined, increasing slightly in sandy soils or hot, windy spells. Water deeply at the base to encourage a modest root system and reduce foliar disease. Mulching helps stabilize moisture and temperature. Avoid prolonged drought, which triggers bolting and intensifies bitterness. In containers, check moisture frequently and water when the top 2–3 cm of mix are dry.
Light
Prefers partial shade to dappled light, typical of woodland edges and hedgerows. In cool, moist climates it tolerates full sun, but in summer heat it performs better with morning sun and afternoon shade. Too little light leads to leggy, weak growth and fewer flowers; intense full sun plus dry soil speeds bolting and bitterness. Indoors or in sheltered spaces, target bright indirect light (2,500–10,000 lux) and avoid hot, reflective exposures.
Nutrients
Nipplewort is not a heavy feeder. Work in finished compost or a balanced organic fertilizer before sowing or transplanting to provide slow, steady nutrition. Over-fertilizing with high nitrogen encourages lush, floppy growth and earlier bolting. In containers or poor soils, use a diluted, balanced liquid feed (e.g., 10-10-10 at 1/4 strength) every 4–6 weeks during active growth. Maintain soil organic matter with mulch and seasonal compost to support consistent moisture and nutrient availability.
Temperature
A cool-season plant, nipplewort grows best between 10–20°C. Seeds germinate readily in cool soils, and rosettes tolerate light frosts, allowing overwintering in mild regions. Hot weather (sustained >26–27°C) accelerates bolting and leaf bitterness. Provide afternoon shade and consistent moisture as temperatures climb. It is suited to temperate climates and shoulder seasons; in warmer regions, grow in late winter to spring or autumn for highest leaf quality.
