Two-Flower Dwarf-Dandelion
ExplorePlants
Two-Flower Dwarf-Dandelion
krigia biflora
The Two-Flower Dwarf-Dandelion is a charming perennial wildflower native to the woodlands and prairies of North America. Standing out with its vibrant orange-yellow petals, this plant brings a splash of warm color to grassy fields and open forest clearings in late spring. Despite its common name, it is not a true dandelion of the genus Taraxacum, but belongs to the genus Krigia, representing a unique lineage of North American composites. This resilient wildflower serves as an important early-season food source for various native bees, flies, and butterflies. Its ability to thrive in partial shade and sandy, acidic soils makes it a beloved sight for hikers and botanists exploring natural meadows.
Habitat: Typically found in sandy or rocky open woodlands, oak savannas, tallgrass prairies, and forest edges.
Appearance
This plant is characterized by its smooth, hairless, blue-green leaves that form a tight rosette at the base. From this rosette, slender, smooth stems rise to a height of 15 to 60 cm, typically branching near the top to support two or three vibrant orange to deep golden-yellow flower heads. Each flower head is about 2 cm wide and composed entirely of ray florets with squared-off, fringed tips.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusKrigia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its flowers open up in response to morning sunlight and close shut on overcast days or by late afternoon.
The species name 'biflora' literally translates to 'two-flowered', referring to its common habit of producing flowers in pairs.
Unlike the invasive common dandelion, this native wildflower does not spread aggressively and fits perfectly into stable ecosystems.
Special abilities
Ability
Milky Latex Defense
Exudes a bitter, white milky sap when stems are broken, deterring insect pests and herbivores from feeding on its tissues.
Ability
Glaucous Coating
Features a waxy, bluish-green leaf surface that aids in moisture retention, helping the plant survive dry periods in open grasslands.
Ability
Branching Floral Display
Produces multiple flowering heads per stem rather than a single flower, maximizing pollination opportunities during its bloom cycle.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 15-60 cm
- Lifespan
- 3-7 years
- Incubation
- 14-30 days
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic autotroph, it utilizes solar energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into vital sugars.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon Dioxide
- Soil Minerals
Ecological connections
mutualism
Bicolored Striped Sweat Bee
Agapostemon virescens
Visits flowers for pollen and nectar, facilitating cross-pollination.
eaten by
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Feeds on the nutrient-rich basal leaves of the plant.
mutualism
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio glaucus
Visits the orange flowers for nectar, acting as an effective pollinator.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Two-Flower Dwarf-Dandelion?
The easiest way to identify Two-Flower Dwarf-Dandelion is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Two-Flower Dwarf-Dandelion?
15-60 cm
How long does Two-Flower Dwarf-Dandelion live?
3-7 years
What does Two-Flower Dwarf-Dandelion eat?
As a photosynthetic autotroph, it utilizes solar energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into vital sugars.
Where is Two-Flower Dwarf-Dandelion usually found?
Typically found in sandy or rocky open woodlands, oak savannas, tallgrass prairies, and forest edges.
How long do Two-Flower Dwarf-Dandelion eggs take to hatch?
14-30 days
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