Prenanthes Serpens, White Lettuce, Cancer Weed, Canker root, White cankerweed

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 5 min read
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Article Summary

This member of the Chicory family is an indigenous perennial herb, has a smooth stem and grows 2–4 ft. high. The stem is stout and purplish, with radical leaves, lanceolate, and all irregularly dentate. This plant grows plentifully in moist weeds and in rich soils, from New England to Iowa, and from Canada to Carolina. It is a member of Asteraceae and tribe Cactaceae. Recently...

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Definition

This member of the Chicory family is an indigenous perennial herb, has a smooth stem and grows 2–4 ft. high. The stem is stout and purplish, with radical leaves, lanceolate, and all irregularly dentate. This plant grows plentifully in moist weeds and in rich soils, from New England to Iowa, and from Canada to Carolina. It is a member of Asteraceae and tribe Cactaceae. Recently this species was considered to be in the genus Prenanthes including European, African, Asian and North American species.

Leaves are alternate and variable in shape i.e. deeply and irregularly lobed. Flowering stems are 1 to 2 meters tall and leaves are pinnately lobed. Paniculate inflorescence comprises of drooping capitula composed of ligulate flowers. Capitulate has 8 to 14 flowers with yellow to cream-colored corollas. Flowers are 8 to 14 mm long having lower had fused into a tube. Each flower produces a single achene topped by pappus which supports in wind dispersal. An involucre comprises of two whorls of green bracts. The inner whorl has eight lance-shaped bracts about 8 to 14.5 mm long. An outer whorl has five to nine much shorter bracts. Its habitat is sandplain grasslands and also occurs in rocky slopes along roadsides and in other disturbed habitats. Usually, coarse stems have purple coloration exuding a milky sap when damaged.

Uses

The milky juice of the plant is taken internally, and the root, cut in small pieces or grated, is useful and acts most favorably in cases of dysentery or .

Facts About Lion’s Foot Plant

Name Lion’s Foot Plant
Scientific Name Nabalus serpentaria
Common/English Name Prenanthes Serpens, Rattlesnake-Root, White Lettuce, Cancer Weed, Canker root, Rattlesnake root, White cankerweed
Plant Growth Habit Perennial  plant
Root Branching, tuberous
Stem 1 to 2 meters tall, green or often purplish
Leaf Smooth, thick, deep green
Medicinal parts The whole plant
Flower White or yellowish, 11-14 mm long

Dose

1 teaspoonful of the granulated root steeped in 1 cup boiling water. Drink cold 1 cupful during the day, a large mouthful at a time. Of the tincture, 10–20 min.

Externally

In case of snake bites, steep the leaves in boiling water and apply as a poultice.

Homeopathic

Tincture of whole fresh plant—, Ophthalmia.

Medicinal uses

  • Root decoction is used for treating canker sores, dysentery, and .
  • Drink milky juice to cure snake bites.
  • A poultice made from leaves is used as first aid for a snake, insect, and dog bites.
  • Native Americans put the powdered roots in food for stimulating milk flow after childbirth.
  • Apply the leaves steeped in water to the wound and change it frequently.
  • Root decoction is used for treating rattlesnake bites and dysentery.

 


References


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Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
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Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
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Safe first steps

  • Use oral rehydration solution and safe fluids to prevent dehydration.
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  • Seek care for children, older adults, pregnancy, or chronic illness.

OTC medicine safety

  • ORS is usually safer than unnecessary antibiotics for simple watery diarrhea.
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Avoid these mistakes

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Get urgent help if

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Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Basic vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level if needed
  • Relevant blood, urine, imaging, or specialist tests only after clinical assessment
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Prenanthes Serpens, White Lettuce, Cancer Weed, Canker root, White cankerweed

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

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