Dandelion flower

Description:

Common dandelion is a perennial and a member of the composite or daisy family. It develops a strong tap root that may extend to 6 feet (1.8 m). The dark green leaves are sparsely hairy, 2 to 10 inches (5 to 25 cm) long, and ½ to 1½ inches (1.2 to 4 cm) wide. They grow directly from the crown of the plant and, since the main stem never elongates, they form a rosette at the soil surface. The leaves are divided into toothlike lobes that point back toward the base. Dandelions flower in spring and fall, when day length is less than twelve hours, or in summer if there is sufficient shade. Most plants have several flower heads, each one carried separately on a long, bare, hollow stem (scape) that secretes a thick white juice when broken. Each flower head is a bright yellow tuft that appears as a single flower measuring ¾ to 1½ inch (2 to 4 cm) across. One dandelion flower head may have 100 to 300 "petals," and each one is actually a complete flower. This type of flower—a compact mass of many petal-like flowers—is called a "composite." While bees find the flowers a favorite source of food, these insects do not pollinate common dandelion. Rather, the seeds develop apomictically—without being fertilized. In fact, most of the pollen grains are infertile. The flower bud develops on a short stem near the ground for about one week. Then the stem quickly elongates, lifting the bud above the leaves. The flower opens early in the morning and closes the same evening. The stem droops and the closed head rests near the ground for several days while the seeds mature. The stem straightens again and the flower reopens as the familiar fluffy white ball of "parachutes." These are actually individual seeds, each with an attached cluster of hairs called a "pappus." The pappus breaks off easily and, with the seed still attached, is carried away by the breeze. Common dandelion also propagates by its fleshy taproot. When the taproot is broken, each remaining piece can send up from two to five new shoots. Common dandelion can survive in almost any climate and at elevations ranging from sea level to 12,000 feet.

Habitat:

Grassy area beside retention pond.