Common Dandelion, Lion's Tooth, Blowball, Faceclock
Kingdom: Plantae; Division: Tracheophyta; Class: Magnoliopsida; Order: Asterales; Family: Asteraceae; Genus: Taraxacum; Species: Taraxacum officinale · Asteraceae (Daisy or Sunflower family) · Simple; Deciduous (herbaceous perennial)
Species
Taraxacum officinale (Confidence: 95%)
Leaf Type
Simple; Deciduous (herbaceous perennial)
Family
Asteraceae (Daisy or Sunflower family)
Shape
Oblanceolate to spatulate; deeply lobed with many variations; often forming a basal rosette
Size
Approximately 5-8 inches in length as shown; typically ranges from 2 to 10 inches depending on maturity and soil richness
Margin
Runcinate-pinnatifid (sharply toothed or lobed with the teeth pointing back toward the base), serrate at the tips
Arrangement
Basal rosette (radiating from the crown of the root at ground level) with no visible stem
Rarity
Very Common; ubiquitous in urban and rural landscapes worldwide
Color & Pattern
Uniform deep green on the upper surface; slightly paler green on the underside; midrib is a lighter yellow-green or occasionally reddish near the base; no variegation
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a thick, prominent central midrib that is hollow and contains milky latex
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) to slightly hairy; somewhat succulent but thin; matte to slightly glossy upper surface
Description
A hardy perennial herb characterized by its basal rosette of jagged leaves and hollow flowering stalks. It produces iconic bright yellow flower heads (florets) that mature into globular white puffballs of plumed seeds (pappus) dispersed by wind. The plant features a deep, thick taproot.
Key Features
Sink-toothed leaf margins with points facing backward; hollow stalks; milky white sap (latex) produced when stems or leaves are broken; lack of a visible above-ground stem
Habitat
Disturbed soils, lawns, meadows, roadsides, and gardens; thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade; prefers moist, nitrogen-rich soil
Geographic Range
Native to Eurasia; now naturalized globally in temperate regions including North America, South America, and Australasia; often considered a cosmopolitan weed
Condition Notes
Good condition; minor mechanical damage (tearing) on the left margin; no visible signs of powdery mildew or rust fungi; typical mature summer leaf
Interesting Facts
The name 'Dandelion' comes from the French 'dent-de-lion', meaning 'lion's tooth' in reference to the jagged leaves. The seeds can travel up to 5 miles from their origin. During WWII, the USSR cultivated a specific species for rubber production from its latex.
Medicinal & Uses
Edible young leaves used in salads; roots can be roasted as a coffee substitute; petals used for dandelion wine. Traditionally used as a diuretic ('pissenlit' in French) and to support liver health. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
Ecological Role
Critical early-season nectar source for bees and pollinators; taproots help aerate compacted soil and pull nutrients up from deep layers; seeds are a food source for small birds like goldfinches
Similar Species
Catsear (Hypochaeris radicata) which has hairy leaves and branched stems; Hawkbeards (Crepis spp.) which have different leaf lobing and solid stems
Foraging Tips
Harvest young leaves in early spring before flowers appear to avoid bitterness. Look for plants in areas not treated with pesticides or herbicides (avoid roadside foraging).
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans; generally safe for pets, though excessive consumption of the milky sap can cause mild stomach upset in some animals. Allergy warning: individuals sensitive to latex or Asteraceae pollen should use caution.