Mulgedium oblongifolium

(Blue Lettuce)

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Mulgedium oblongifolium, Lory State Park, Larimer Co. 7842

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Mulgedium oblongifolium, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8516/8535

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Mulgedium oblongifolium, Lory State Park, Larimer Co. 7859

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Mulgedium oblongifolium, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8501

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Mulgedium oblongifolium, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8544

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Mulgedium oblongifolium, Lory State Park, Larimer Co. 7871

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Leaves, Mulgedium oblongifolium, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8505

Scientific Name Mulgedium oblongifolium (Mulgedium pulchellum, Lactuca pulchella, Lactuca tatarica var. pulchella) USDA PLANTS Symbol LATAP
Common Name Blue Lettuce ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 780457
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (3500 to 10000 ft.); moist areas in meadows, along ditches, stream banks.
Plant: Erect perennial growing 8 to 40 inches tall; hairless, thick, rigid stem branching several times near the top.
Leaves: Alternate stem leaves, narrow, lanceolate, up to 7 inches long; leaves near base have large pinnate lobes or teeth.
Inflorescence: Dense terminal clusters of dandelion-like flowers with 18 to 50 blue-purple rays, about 1-1/4 inches across; purple-tinged egg-shaped bracts, about 1/2-inch long.
Bloom period: July-September.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, E-Flora BC, and American Southwest.
BONAP Distribution Map


Lactuca tatarica var. pulchella
Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains