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Florida Blue Lettuce

Lactuca floridana

Last reviewed: June 2026

Florida Blue Lettuce (Lactuca floridana)
Photo: (c) Jennifer Harris, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jennifer Harris

Toxicity unknown

Florida Blue Lettuce (Lactuca floridana) 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

part sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–60" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 27 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

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Florida blue lettuce is a tall native perennial that produces delicate blue flowers from summer through early fall. This upright wildflower can reach 5 feet in height and thrives in partial sun with moderate water needs.

In an HOA neighborhood

Florida 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.

  • Very tall height appears wild and unmanicured
  • Name includes 'lettuce' which sounds weedy
  • Informal growth habit doesn't fit traditional landscaping

Wildlife value

The blue flowers attract bees and beetles during its long blooming season from June through September. As a native lettuce species, it provides important nectar resources for pollinators during late summer when many other flowers have finished blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does Florida Blue Lettuce need?
Florida Blue Lettuce grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Florida Blue Lettuce bloom?
Florida Blue Lettuce blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Florida Blue Lettuce native?
Florida Blue Lettuce (Lactuca floridana) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 27 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Florida Blue Lettuce attract?
Florida Blue Lettuce draws bees and beetles.
Is Florida Blue Lettuce HOA-friendly?
Florida 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Florida Blue Lettuce? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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