How much sun does Louisiana Lettuce need?

Louisiana Lettuce grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Louisiana Lettuce bloom?

Louisiana Lettuce blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Louisiana Lettuce native?

Louisiana Lettuce (Lactuca ludoviciana) is native to AR, AZ, CA, CO and 20 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Louisiana Lettuce attract?

Louisiana Lettuce draws bees, beetles, and flies.

Is Louisiana Lettuce HOA-friendly?

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

Louisiana Lettuce

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lactuca ludoviciana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Louisiana Lettuce (Lactuca ludoviciana) 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 × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AR, AZ, CA, CO and 20 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

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 452 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

Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain Central Irregular Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains

Louisiana lettuce is a tall annual wildflower that produces clusters of small yellow flowers throughout summer. It naturally reseeds and provides consistent summer color in low-maintenance landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Louisiana 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.

Can appear weedy and unkempt
May self-seed aggressively
Dies back completely in winter as biennial

Wildlife value

The flowers attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies during the long summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds and small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Louisiana Lettuce need?: Louisiana Lettuce grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Louisiana Lettuce bloom?: Louisiana Lettuce blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Louisiana Lettuce native?: Louisiana Lettuce (Lactuca ludoviciana) is native to AR, AZ, CA, CO and 20 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Louisiana Lettuce attract?: Louisiana Lettuce draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is Louisiana Lettuce HOA-friendly?: Louisiana 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

See all plant problem guides

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