Taraxacum officinale, the dandelion or common dandelion, [6] is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the daisy family, Asteraceae. The common dandelion is well known for its yellow flower heads that turn into round balls of many silver-tufted fruit that disperse in the wind.

Common dandelions grow in all kinds of grasslands from lawns to roadside verges, pastures to traditional meadows, and can be a weed. The common dandelion is actually a variety of forms or 'microspecies' and there are also a number of other dandelion …

Jul 10, 2023 · Dandelions are native to Europe and Asia but common on nearly all continents. They’re highly adaptable and flourish in diverse environments and soil conditions in temperate, Mediterranean, subtropical, and tropical climates.

Feb 27, 2025 · dandelion, weedy perennial herb of the genus Taraxacum of the family Asteraceae, native to Eurasia but widespread throughout much of temperate North America. The most familiar species is T. officinale .

Dec 17, 2023 · Dandelions live on both continents, and can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Dandelion leaves are about three times bigger than their stalks. Dandelion roots were used by the Teutonic Knights of Germany as a tasty alternative to carrots for common soldiers. Dandelion wine was widely used throughout Europe for medicinal purposes.

Jun 22, 2024 · The common dandelion is a persistent taprooted plant reproducing by seeds and by short shoots from the crown. It also grows back from roots broken during hand removal. Plants consist of a rosette of deeply lobed or toothed basal leaves and upright, leafless flower stalks.

Range & Habitat: Dandelion is a very common plant that occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It was introduced to North America from Europe. Habitats include lawns, gardens, degraded meadows, vacant lots, and sunny areas along roads and railroads.

Facts. Common dandelion is the familiar weed of lawns and roadsides. Native to Europe, it has spread nearly worldwide. The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. The taproot can be boiled and eaten or dried and ground as a base for a hot drink.

May 1, 2020 · Habitat: Lawns, cultivated fields, pastures General description: The plant produces a basal rosette up to 1.5 ft wide. Leaves are deeply toothed and emit a milky sap when broken.

The dandelion, often undervalued in human-dominated landscapes, is in fact a vital food source for various wildlife. Its bright yellow flowers are among the first to bloom in early spring. They offer crucial nectar and pollen to emerging bees , butterflies , and other pollinators when other food sources are scarce.