Wild Lettuce Or Thistle?

Question

Hello, I wonder if anyone can help me to identify this plant? I noticed it growing in colonies in a friend’s mulched flower bed. I assumed it was wild lettuce but I’m beginning to think it is thistle. The leaves are not deeply notched and thorns are much sharper than I remember those of wild lettuce. The taproot is really long on some of the plants too, as you can see. The one that curls here is 8-9 inches long. Leaves are about the same size as dandelion. I’m interested in foraging, I know basic plants, but can’t afford to get sick or even poison myself making a mistake. Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

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Answer 1

That is, definitely, a Lactuca, though thistle is also edible when cooked.