ExplorePlants

nipplewort

Lapsana communis

Nipplewort is a cheerful little plant with bright yellow flowers. It often grows in gardens and along paths, bringing a splash of color to our world.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The nipplewort has slender, branching stems and small, bright yellow, dandelion-like flowers, typically with 8-13 ray florets. Its lower leaves are lobed, while the upper ones are smaller and often untoothed, giving it a somewhat delicate appearance.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusLapsana
nipplewort
flowering trait badgespring_blooming trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgeedible trait badge
nipplewort

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Ancient people used this plant for its soothing properties.

Its tiny seeds are dispersed by wind, allowing it to travel far!

The tiny yellow flowers usually close up in the afternoon!

This plant loves growing in gardens and even cracks in pavements.

Special abilities

Ability

Rapid Colonizer

Nipplewort can quickly grow and produce many seeds, helping it spread fast in disturbed areas.

Ability

Self-Pollinator

Nipplewort has flowers that can self-pollinate, ensuring it makes seeds even without many insect helpers.

Ability

Adaptable Life

Nipplewort can be an annual or biennial, completing its life cycle to suit different environmental conditions.

Measurements & details

Height
30-120 cm
Spread
20-50 cm
Flower Size
1-2 cm
Bloom Season
Summer to fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Annual
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Visits flowers for nectar

pollinates

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

Collects pollen and nectar

eaten by

Garden snail

Helix aspersa

Feeds on its leaves

eaten by

Black slug

Arion ater

Consumes its foliage

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always check with an adult before touching or picking any plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is nipplewort?

30-120 cm

How wide does nipplewort spread?

20-50 cm

How big are the flowers on nipplewort?

1-2 cm

When does nipplewort bloom?

Summer to fall

Is nipplewort edible?

Yes

Is nipplewort toxic?

None

What is nipplewort's lifecycle?

Annual

How is nipplewort pollinated?

Insect

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