Dandelion

August 7, 2015

Taraxacum officinale Weber in Wiggers

Life cycle

Rosette-forming simple perennial.

Dandelion plant
Dandelion plant.

Leaves

All leaves originate from a basal rosette. Leaves are oblong to spatula-shaped, ranging from 2 to 10 inches long with deep, backward-pointing lobes. Leaves remain green year round and exude a milky sap when damaged.

Dandelion seedling
Dandelion seedling.

Stems

Vegetative stems are not visible aboveground. Forms a deep, thick taproot.

Flowers and fruit

Bright yellow, solitary flower heads consisting of only ray flowers are 1 to 2 inches wide and found at the ends of unbranched, hollow, leafless flowering stalks. The seed is enclosed in a single-seeded, wind-disseminated fruit that forms in a globe-shaped collection.

Dandelion flower dandelion flower mature
Yellow flower head of dandelion (left). Mature dandelion seedhead (right).

Reproduction

Seeds and new shoots from a taproot.

Print a PDF of this page: Dandelion

Back to identifying nursery weeds.

Other Documents in this Series

You Might Also Be Interested In

Accessibility Questions:

For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.

Tag List
  • integrated pest management

About

Resources

Events

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).