Ixeris stolonifera A.Gray

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

Ixeris stolonifera, commonly known as creeping lettuce, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family.

Native Distribution

It is native to East Asia, specifically occurring in China, Japan, and Korea. It is a common and widespread species within Japan.

Native Habitat

Its natural habitat is open mountain slopes, most often in rocky areas with shallow soil. It can also be found in disturbed areas, including cultivated fields and abandoned land.

Introduced Range

This species has naturalized locally in the northeastern United States.

Growth Form and Size

Ixeris stolonifera is a low-growing, stoloniferous perennial, with flowering scapes that reach approximately 15 cm (5.9 in) in height.

Flower Characteristics

It produces yellow flower heads in spring.

Species Distinction

It can be mistaken for the similar-looking Ixeris japonica, but I. stolonifera can be distinguished from that species by its smaller inflorescences, smaller fruits, and more ovate-orbicular leaves.