Thank you flora. I have white-flowered and a pink-flowered Lactuca species in this area that seem common, even though we are only supposed to have L. floridana as a non-yellow species here. I haven't seen any white or pink-flowered L. floridana plants on the Internet, and thought that it might be either L. biennis or L. tatarica var. pulchella. Those latter two are (I think) perennials, while L. floridana is (I think) a biennial. And some of these white and pink-flowered plants are maybe too tall for floridana - close to 8 feet. They are all smooth, with a few bristles on leaf mid-veins underneath. Some of those plants have mostly deeply cut leaves; some have deeply cut basal leaves and entire (with small teeth) cauline leaves; and some have those entire leaves (with small teeth) over the entire plant. None of that seems to indicate L. floridana to me. Somebody had suggested to me that one could check the root structure and tell if the plant is perennial. They said to look for old stem bases, creeping rootstocks, etc. on perennials and just a single taproot on annuals and biennials. I tried to do so, but am not able to interpret the root's appearance. I guess it is time to collect and press entire-plant specimens for our botanists in Little Rock. That short shovel is a common garden implement in this part of the country. It is usually called a sharp-shooter, and is useful for digging small holes and popping weeds out of the ground. Thanks again for the help.

Some of these are vegetables which have gone to seed. I am not convinced that 1 & 2 are the same plant although both are in the Brassica family. One looks like a turnip or similar while 2 looks like a broccoli or kale. 3 looks like Lepidium draba, Hoary Cress. 4 is a Chenopodium species probably C alba, Fat Hen. 5 could be Lapsana communis. 6 is a Lactuca species. 7 & 8 are another Brassica, maybe Sisymbrium officinale, Hedge Mustard, but I can't see many details in the pictures. 9 is a Sonchus species, Sow Thistle. You also have Brambles and Dandelions in there. All great for chickens but not so good for gardeners.

Pull it out. Anything with the name "thistle" in my book is a weed. The seeds will float, fly and travel anywhere and everywhere. You may find it cute, but your neighbors may not and you might want to stay friends with them. Thistles are invasive in my neck of the woods, even though some of the blooms are beautiful. Heidi

There aren't very many Lactuca species, and none (afaik) with that appearance. Flowering photos would be appreciated, since you've poked my curiosity button.