Dandelion (Common Dandelion, Blowball, Lion's Tooth)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Asterales, Family: Asteraceae, Genus: Taraxacum, Species: T. officinale · Asteraceae (Daisy, Aster, or Sunflower family) · Simple (the provided image actually depicts a flower head with a scape/stem rather than a leaf, but the species features simple basal leaves)
Species
Taraxacum officinale
Leaf Type
Simple (the provided image actually depicts a flower head with a scape/stem rather than a leaf, but the species features simple basal leaves)
Family
Asteraceae (Daisy, Aster, or Sunflower family)
Shape
Runcinate (deeply lobed with lobes pointing backward) to oblanceolate for typical leaves
Size
Leaves typically range from 2 to 15 inches (5-38 cm) long; the displayed flower head structure is approximately 1 to 2 inches across on a hollow scape
Margin
Serrate to deeply lobed or sinuate
Arrangement
Basal rosette directly rising from a thick, fleshy taproot
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Bright yellow ray flowers turning to white pappus/seeds; leaves are medium to dark green without markings
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib
Texture & Surface
Smooth to sparsely hairy, herbaceous
Description
The common dandelion is a familiar herbaceous perennial weed known for its bright golden-yellow flower heads composed entirely of ray florets. Borne on hollow, milky-sapped scapes, these flowers mature into spherical seed heads featuring wind-borne parachutes. The plant produces a rosette of deeply lobed leaves from a deep, resilient taproot.
Key Features
Hollow leafless flower stalks (scapes) containing milky white latex, yellow flower heads made exclusively of ray florets, and a basal rosette of sharply toothed or lobed leaves
Habitat
Disturbed soils, lawns, fields, meadows, roadsides, and gardens; thrives in full sun and well-drained soils
Geographic Range
Native to Eurasia and North America, now widespread as a cosmopolitan weed across temperate and subtropical regions globally
Condition Notes
The specimen shown is a harvested or detached flower head in a slightly wilted or maturing state, graded as Fair
Interesting Facts
Every part of the dandelion is useful. The name comes from the French dent-de-lion, meaning lion's tooth, referencing the coarsely toothed leaves. Their flowers track the sun and close at night or in cloudy weather.
Medicinal & Uses
Leaves are edible, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and often used in salads or teas. Roots are roasted as a coffee substitute. Historically used as a diuretic and liver tonic. Non-toxic.
Ecological Role
Provides crucial early-season nectar and pollen sources for bees and other pollinators. Seeds are heavily consumed by birds. No conservation concerns as it is extremely prolific.
Similar Species
Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) and Hawkweed (Hieracium species), which can be distinguished by having branched, solid stems rather than a single hollow scape bearing one flower head
Foraging Tips
Look in lawns and open grassy areas during spring and summer. Ensure foraging locations are free from chemical pesticides and pet waste. All parts are edible.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic