How much sun does Blue Lettuce need?

Blue Lettuce grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Blue Lettuce bloom?

Blue Lettuce blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Blue Lettuce native?

Blue Lettuce (Lactuca tatarica) is native to MT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Blue Lettuce attract?

Blue Lettuce draws bees and beetles.

Is Blue Lettuce HOA-friendly?

Blue Lettuce takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Blue Lettuce

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lactuca tatarica

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Blue Lettuce (Lactuca tatarica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Blue Lettuce

Blue Lettuce is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts High Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains

Blue lettuce is a tall native perennial with slender stems and small blue flowers that bloom through summer. This drought-tolerant plant forms upright clumps and goes dormant in winter, disappearing completely until spring regrowth.

In an HOA neighborhood

Blue Lettuce takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Disappears completely in winter leaving bare spots
Can look weedy with tall sparse stems
May self-seed in unwanted areas

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract native bees and beneficial beetles. Seeds provide food for birds in late summer and fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Blue Lettuce need?: Blue Lettuce grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Blue Lettuce bloom?: Blue Lettuce blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Blue Lettuce native?: Blue Lettuce (Lactuca tatarica) is native to MT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Blue Lettuce attract?: Blue Lettuce draws bees and beetles.
Is Blue Lettuce HOA-friendly?: Blue Lettuce takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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