Brune D'Hiver

Butterhead type lettuce that forms a loose circular head. Plants 5.5-7" tall and 11.75-13.75" wide. Obovate leaves with a wavy margin have a light green base color and overlaid with reddish-brown. Leaves measure 6.3-7.5" long and 7-8.3" wide. White seeded. Early bolting when grown in 2015 at Heritage Farm. Very attractive when bolted and could be used as an ornamental. Previously distributed by SSE under the English translation 'Brown Winter.' Acquired by SSE from the Abundant Life Seed Foundation. CV Abu offered the variety in 1985 and 1986, then changed its name to Brune d'Hiver in 1987. They consistently offered Brune d'Hiver until 2003, when their operation suffered a devastating fire. According to their catalogs, this variety is a French heirloom dating back to 1855. A variety by this same name was described in the 1886 Annual Report of the NY State Agriculture Experiment Station, suggesting that it was available in the late 19th century. As of 2014, it remains quite popular (under the name Brune d'Hiver), and can be purchased from a large number of seed houses. SSE Accession # 111565