Dandelion

Found in:

• Lawns, landscape beds, woodland edges, and disturbed soils in sunny locations
• Easily invades thin lawns and other areas of bare soil

Characteristics:

• Perennial that maintains basal rosette form throughout year
• Leaves are deeply lobed with lobes pointing toward plant base
• Leaves are usually without hairs, but hairs may occur along midvein of leaf underside
• Bright yellow flowers primarily in spring and fall
• Flower stems are hollow
• Fleshy tap root, may be branched
• All parts exude a white milky sap (latex) when broken

Significance:

• Each flower produces hundreds of seeds that are dispersed by the wind

Plants that look similar:

• Perennial Sowthistle (leaves, latex)
• Chicory
• Common Catsear
• Many of the basal rosette plants of the mustard family

More information and control options for Dandelion