Hairy Lettuce
Lactuca hirsuta
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–48" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, GA and 23 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Hairy lettuce is a native annual wildflower that grows 1 to 4 feet tall with small yellow flowers blooming through summer. This wild lettuce species produces clusters of dandelion-like blooms that attract various pollinators. As an annual, it completes its entire life cycle in one growing season and may self-seed in favorable conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hairy 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.
- Resembles weedy lettuce plants
- Can look unkempt as it matures and goes to seed
- May spread unpredictably as annual
Wildlife value
The summer flowers provide nectar for bees, beetles, and flies. Seeds may also feed small birds later in the season.
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.
Does Hairy Lettuce fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.