Taraxacum officinale agg.
dandelion
A genus of around 250 microspecies of tap-rooted herbaceous perennials, more commonly known as dandelions. These form rosettes of long, toothed green leaves and a milky sap-producing hollow stem. Florets of bright yellow flowers appear from April to June, followed by seed heads (or 'clocks') that are easily dispersed on the breeze. Provides a good nectar source for flying insects and a larval food source fo moths
Other common names
blowballcankerwort
see morefairy clock
heart-fever grass
Irish daisy
lion's teeth
milk gowan
pee in the bed
pissabed
priest's crown
swine's snout
cankerweed
horse gowan
yellow gowan
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 | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | 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 GB / Ireland
- 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. Prefers a rich soil. Naturally found in grassy places and waste ground
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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