// SPECIES PROFILE · ANNUAL · NATIVE

Canada lettuce

Lactuca canadensis

Canada lettuce (Lactuca canadensis) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11b. Mature size 6'–15'. Blooms Jul–Sep.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: annual
Native range: Native to 47 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2a–11b
Mature size: 6'–15'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: Jul–Sep
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Canada lettuce (Lactuca canadensis) — *Lactuca canadensis* — Canada lettuce. Photo by George F Mayfield from chicago area, USA via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Canada lettuce (Lactuca canadensis) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11b. Mature size 6'–15'. Blooms Jul–Sep. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, canada lettuce pairs naturally with: Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Swamp verbena (Verbena hastata), Annual ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia var. artemisiifolia), Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album).