Common nipplewortLapsana communis

Lapsana communis, commonly known as nipplewort, is an annual to biennial wildflower native to Europe and western Asia. It is characterized by its soft, branching stems and small, yellow, dandelion-like flower heads that appear throughout summer. The unusual name “nipplewort” comes from the shape of its unopened flower buds, which were thought to resemble nipples and led to its use in old folk medicine for treating breast ailments. Unlike many showy wildflowers, Lapsana communis is subtle and shade-tolerant, often appearing in woodland edges, hedgerows, and village paths where it quietly fills ecological gaps.

Scientific Name

Lapsana communis

Family

Asteraceae

Order

Asterales

Lifespan

Perennial

Blossom Color

Yellow

Blossom Symmetry

Radial