Dandelion
Dandelion |
Dandelion
| Scientific Name | Taraxacum officinale Weber |
| Other Names | |
| Life Cycle | perennial |
| General Description | A tap-root perennial with a basal roseete of leaves and bright yellow flowers on leafless stalks. |
| Seedlings | Cotyledons are smooth and circular/ovate/spatulate in shape. Leaves form a basal rosette and are spatulate with a long petiole. By the third leaf, the margins are wavy with irregular teeth. |
| True Leaves and Stem | Leaves have a few long hairs and are oblong to spatulate with wavy, deeply lobed margins pointing toward the base of the rosette. Stems are hollow and leafless. Leaves, stalks, and taproot exude a white, milky substance when injured. |
| Roots | Taproot. |
| Flower and Fruit | Flowers are bright yellow and are producedon the end of the stalks. Achenes are attached to a feathery pappus on a long stalk. Collectively the seedhead forms a grayish-white ball. |
| Other Information | Dandelion leaves can be used in salads and the flowers may be used to make wine. |