Dandelion
June 10, 2015
Print
EmailTaraxacum officinale Weber in Wiggers Asteraceae (Aster family)
Life cycle
Rosette-forming simple perennial.
Dandelion plant.
Leaves
All leaves originate from a basal rosette. Leaves are oblong to spatula-shaped, ranging from 2 to 10 inches long with deep, backwardpointing lobes. Leaves remain green year round and exude a milky sap when damaged.
Dandelion seedling.
Stems
Vegetative stems are not visible aboveground. Plant forms a deep, thick taproot.
Flowers and fruit
Bright yellow, solitary flower heads consisting of only ray flowers are 1 to 2 inches wide and found at the ends of unbranched, hollow, leafless flowering stalks. The seed is enclosed in a single-seeded, wind-disseminated fruit that forms in a globe-shaped collection.
Yellow flower head of dandelion.
Reproduction
Seeds and new shoots from a taproot.
Mature dandelion seedhead.
Print a PDF of this page: Dandelion
