// SPECIES PROFILE · ANNUAL · NATIVE

Blue lettuce

Lactuca tatarica

Blue lettuce (Lactuca tatarica) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 1a–11a. Mature size 6"–3'. Blooms Jul–Jul.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: annual
Native range: Native to 30 U.S. states, including AK, AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID…
USDA hardiness: Zones 1a–11a
Mature size: 6"–3'
Sun: —
Water: —
Bloom: Jul–Jul
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Blue lettuce (Lactuca tatarica) — *Lactuca tatarica* — Blue lettuce. Photo by Marko Vainu via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Blue lettuce (Lactuca tatarica) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 1a–11a. Mature size 6"–3'. Blooms Jul–Jul.

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, blue lettuce pairs naturally with: Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Pitseed goosefoot (Chenopodium berlandieri), Pitseed goosefoot (Chenopodium berlandieri var. boscianum), Bush's goosefoot (Chenopodium berlandieri var. bushianum).