This native biennial grows up to 10 feet tall with numerous flower heads. The lower leaves, up to 10 inches long, are deeply cut with triangular apexes (D). The upper leaves are smaller and lance-shaped. The flowers, about 1/2 inch across, have about 15 blue (sometimes white) ray florets (A,B). The seeds have “parachutes” of white, shiny hairs. Compared to the similar Blue Lettuce (Lactuca pulchella), this lettuce has more branches and flower heads only half as large.