Biennials, 25–90(–150+) cm. Leaves on proximal ¹/3–¹/2 of each stem; blades of undivided cauline leaves spatulate to lance-linear, margins entire or denticulate, midribs sometimes setose. Heads in ± paniculiform arrays. Involucres 12–20+ mm. Phyl-laries usually reflexed in fruit. Florets 15–20+; corollas bluish to purplish, usually deliquescent. Cypselae: bodies brown (often mottled), ± flattened, elliptic, 5–6 mm, beaks ± filiform, 2–4 mm, faces 1(–3)-nerved; pappi white, 5–9 mm. 2n = 34.

Flowering (Feb–)Apr–Jun(–Sep). Sandy ridges, pine forests, canyons; 10–1700 m; Ala., Ariz., Colo., Fla., Ga., La., Miss., N.J., N.Mex., N.C., S.C., Tex.; Mexico (Chihuahua); Central America.

Plants in the western populations of Lactuca graminifolia have been called L. graminifolia var. arizonica McVaugh; they may belong to a Mexican species.