Blue Lettuce
Lactuca tatarica
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
MT
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Blue Lettuce? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz