Mulgedium oblongifolium
(Blue Lettuce)
Mulgedium oblongifolium, Lory State Park, Larimer Co. 7842
Mulgedium oblongifolium, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8516/8535
Mulgedium oblongifolium, Lory State Park, Larimer Co. 7859
Mulgedium oblongifolium, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8501
Mulgedium oblongifolium, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8544
Mulgedium oblongifolium, Lory State Park, Larimer Co. 7871
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 2025
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains
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