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common dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

The common dandelion is a bright yellow flower that grows in many places. Its fluffy seed heads are fun to blow and make wishes on!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The common dandelion has a bright yellow, solitary flower head atop a hollow, leafless stem. Its deeply lobed, toothy green leaves form a basal rosette, growing flat against the ground. Later, it forms a spherical puffball of white, parachute-like seeds.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusTaraxacum
common dandelion
flowering trait badgespring_blooming trait badgebroadleaf_tree trait badgemedicinal trait badge
common dandelion

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Dandelion leaves help scientists know about air pollution by absorbing it!

Every yellow 'petal' is actually a tiny flower, making one big bloom!

Its tough taproot can grow over a foot deep, reaching hidden water!

The name 'dandelion' means 'lion's tooth' because of its jagged leaves!

Special abilities

Ability

Amazing Roots

Common dandelion can regrow its entire plant from just a tiny piece of its deep taproot, helping it survive being pulled.

Ability

Parachute Seeds

Common dandelion has fluffy, parachute-like seeds that catch the wind, helping it spread far and wide.

Ability

Clone Power

Common dandelion can produce seeds without needing pollination, creating exact copies of itself to quickly spread.

Measurements & details

Height
5-40 cm
Spread
10-30 cm
Flower Size
2-5 cm
Bloom Season
Spring to Fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Its early flowers provide vital nectar and pollen.

eaten by

Domestic Sheep

Ovis aries

Sheep enjoy grazing on its nutritious leaves.

pollinates

Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

An essential early spring food source for many bees.

Traits

Also known as

Taraxacum

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always check with an adult before picking flowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is common dandelion?

5-40 cm

How wide does common dandelion spread?

10-30 cm

How big are the flowers on common dandelion?

2-5 cm

When does common dandelion bloom?

Spring to Fall

Is common dandelion edible?

Yes

Is common dandelion toxic?

None

What is common dandelion's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is common dandelion pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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