Common Dandelion, Lion's Tooth, Blowball
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Asterales, Family: Asteraceae, Genus: Taraxacum, Species: Taraxacum officinale · Asteraceae (Daisy or Sunflower family) · Simple, perennial herbaceous, deciduous in cold climates.
Species
Taraxacum officinale
Leaf Type
Simple, perennial herbaceous, deciduous in cold climates.
Family
Asteraceae (Daisy or Sunflower family)
Shape
Oblanceolate to oblong with deep, irregular lobes; the name 'Dandelion' comes from 'dent-de-lion', meaning lion's tooth, referring to the jagged leaf edges.
Size
Typically 2 to 10 inches long and 0.5 to 3 inches wide; the specimen in the image appears to be a medium-sized mature rosette approximately 5-6 inches in diameter.
Margin
Deeply lobed (pinnatifid) with teeth pointing back toward the base of the leaf; ranging from nearly entire to very jagged.
Arrangement
Basal rosette (all leaves radiate from the crown of the root at ground level).
Rarity
Very Common; widespread and often considered a naturalized weed.
Color & Pattern
Bright to dark green; the midrib is often pale green or occasionally tinted with reddish-purple towards the base.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a very prominent, thick central midrib that is hollow and contains white milky latex sap.
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) to slightly hairy on the underside; texture is somewhat fleshy and tender when young, becoming tougher with age.
Description
A low-growing herbaceous perennial characterized by a thick taproot and a rosette of jagged leaves. It produces bright yellow composite flower heads on hollow, leafless stalks. Each 'flower' is actually a cluster of many tiny florets. Upon maturity, the flower transforms into a white, spherical seed head (puffball) comprised of achenes with feathery pappi designed for wind dispersal.
Key Features
Hollow flower stalks with milky sap; basal rosette of 'lion-toothed' leaves; single yellow flower head per stalk (no branches); parachute-like seed heads.
Habitat
Disturbed soils, lawns, gardens, roadsides, and meadows; prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soil.
Geographic Range
Native to Eurasia; naturalized throughout North America and found globally in temperate regions on every continent except Antarctica.
Condition Notes
The specimen appears Healthy (Excellent grade). The leaves are vibrant green without significant herbivory, and the flower is in full anthesis, suggesting peak spring/early summer vitality.
Interesting Facts
The entire plant is edible. The seeds can travel up to 5 miles via wind. During WWII, the Soviet Union cultivated a specific dandelion species to produce rubber from its latex sap.
Medicinal & Uses
Used as a diuretic and digestive aid; leaves are high in vitamins A, C, and K. Roots are roasted as a coffee substitute. Flowers are used for dandelion wine. Landscaping value is high for early-season pollinators.
Ecological Role
Critical early-spring food source for honeybees and native pollinators. Taproots help aerate compacted soil and pull nutrients up from deep underground.
Similar Species
Catsear (Hypochaeris radicata) which has branched, solid stems; Hawkweeds (Hieracium spp.) which usually have hairy leaves and multiple flowers per stem.
Foraging Tips
Harvest young leaves in early spring before the plant flowers for the least bitter taste. Avoid harvesting from lawns treated with pesticides or roadsides with heavy traffic.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans. Generally safe, though the milky sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Safe but check for herbicide exposure.