// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Western wild lettuce

Lactuca ludoviciana

Western wild lettuce (Lactuca ludoviciana) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11a. Mature size 2'–5'.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 26 U.S. states, including AR, AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2a–11a
Mature size: 2'–5'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: —
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Western wild lettuce (Lactuca ludoviciana) — *Lactuca ludoviciana* — Western wild lettuce. Photo by David Peden https://www.inaturalist.org/people/wafflemaster135 via Wikimedia Commons (CC0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Western wild lettuce (Lactuca ludoviciana) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2a–11a. Mature size 2'–5'. 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, western wild lettuce pairs naturally with: Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina), Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale), Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana).