135. Nipplewort

Nipplewort (Lapsana communis) is another alien species well established at Leaning Oaks.  A common weed in the garden and along path edges it thrives in the light shade under our Garry Oaks.  The plant starts it's growth as a basal rosette, but shoots up quickly in June and July produces yellow daisies on branches inflorescences.  Several websites say the plants common name is from the similarity of the buds to human nipples.  This, I think, is the result of botanists spending unhealthy amounts of time isolated from human companionship in remote locations. 

An alternate explanation is that the plant was used to treat ulcers on nipples.  This species is also used as a spring vegetable, although I have never tried it so I can't vouch for its palatability.