Lactuca hirsuta, commonly known as hairy lettuce, is a biennial herb that is part of the dandelion tribe. It is native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed areas across central Canada and the eastern and central United States, from Ontario to Texas and Florida. This species can grow up to 79 inches tall and is characterized by its taproot and multibranched inflorescence. The hairy lettuce produces numerous flower heads, each with 12–24 blue ray florets, which are typically in bloom from late summer to early fall. The fruit is a brown achene, which is a small, dry, one-seeded fruit that does not open to release the seed.

In cultivation, hairy lettuce is not commonly grown as an ornamental plant due to its weedy nature and less showy flowers compared to other garden lettuces. However, it can be used in wildflower meadows or naturalized areas where its height can add vertical interest. It prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. Hairy lettuce requires minimal maintenance and is drought-tolerant once established. It is not typically subject to serious pests or diseases, but its prolific self-seeding can make it invasive in some areas.CC BY-SA 4.0