It is native to Eurasia but it grows in many other places as an introduced species, including much of North America.

[2][3][4] It can be found rarely in south-east England on dry banks near the sea and estuaries.

Lactuca saligna is an annual herb growing from a taproot to heights of 0.5–1 m (1+1⁄2–3+1⁄2 ft), and occasionally taller.

The spindly, mainly erect stem has bristles on its lower portion.

The flower head is up to about 4 cm (1+1⁄2 in) wide when open, with rectangular pale yellow ray florets with toothed tips.