Taraxacum officinale
An evergreen herbaceous perennial known as the 'dandelion' with upright purple stems and upright or horizontal dark green basal foliage growing from a main taproot. Yellow flower heads change into silvery, wispy tufted seed heads or 'dandelion clocks' which disperse in the wind. Often considered a weed but the leaves, flowers and roots are sometimes used in herbal medicine or as food and the flowers attract pollinators
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Yellow | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Yellow | Green | White |
| Autumn | Purple | Green | ||
| Winter | Purple | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Taraxacum are a large genus of herbaceous perennial plants native to temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere. Leaves are around 5 to 25cm long and the yellow to orange flower heads open during the day and close at night.
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Happy in a wide range of conditions and generally considered a weed. Prefers a rich soil. Naturally found in grassy places and waste ground. Has the potential to become a nuisance if left unchecked
Propagation
Propagate by seed. Seeds freely
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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