Dandelion

Dandelion plant is a member of the sunflower family, the plant's stalk grows from 2 to 18 inches high and bears a single yellow flower. When the stalk is cut, it gives a milky liquid. Technically, the blossom is a flowerhead with many yellow ray flowers. The flowerheads are about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and the ray flowers are strap-like with five tiny petals. The heads are supported by pointed bracts, and the outer points bend backwards. They flower from March to September. 

Dandelion's Fruit

The flower grows out of a base of leaves that can be between 2 and 16 inches long. They are deeply toothed, which gives the plant its name. It is a corruption of the French words for “lion’s tooth.” The famous plant clock is made up of dry, one seeded fruits. The fruits are attached to long, white bristles that make the clock silky and downy.

Dandelion's Graphic Appeal

The plant seems to grow everywhere, but is actually not common in the deep south. It grows wild in fields, roadsides, lawns and has even been known to grow up through cracks in the sidewalk. Clearly, the plant is not fussy about soil and can tolerate drought and other adverse weather conditions. The yellow flowerheads close up when the sun’s not shining, then open up when it is. Dandelions that grow in the shade can grow very tall and may not flower.

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