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Overview
Taraxacum officinale is a taprooted perennial in the daisy family (Asteraceae) reaching 2–18 inches (5–45 cm) tall with a 6–18 inch (15–45 cm) spread, growing as a basal rosette with solitary flower heads on hollow, leafless scapes. The taproot is fleshy, dark brown, 6–18 inches (15–45 cm) deep, exuding milky white latex when cut. Leaves are in a basal rosette, 2–16 inches (5–40 cm) long, deeply pinnately lobed with backward-pointing triangular lobes (runcinate), smooth to sparsely hairy. Scapes are hollow, smooth, 2–18 inches (5–45 cm) tall, each bearing a single head. Flower heads are 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter, composed entirely of ligulate (ray-type) florets, bright yellow. Involucral bracts in two series: outer bracts reflexed downward, inner bracts erect. Fruit is a ribbed achene with a long beak topped by a white pappus of feathery hairs, forming the characteristic spherical seed clock 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) in diameter. A single plant produces 2,000–15,000 seeds per year. Reproduces primarily by apomixis (asexual seed production without pollination). The taproot regenerates from fragments as short as 1 inch (2.5 cm). The most recognizable weed worldwide.
Native Range
Native to Europe and western Asia, occurring in lawns, pastures, roadsides, and disturbed ground from sea level to approximately 12,000 feet (3,600 m). Naturalized across all 50 U.S. states and all Canadian provinces. Present on every continent including Antarctica (near research stations). Arguably the most widely recognized weed worldwide.Suggested Uses
Used in Asteraceae identification as the standard example of an all-ligulate head (Cichorieae tribe), the pappus dispersal mechanism, and the milky latex. The apomictic reproduction is a primary teaching example in plant reproductive biology. The hollow scape, runcinate leaf shape, and reflexed outer involucral bracts are standard morphological teaching features. Edible: leaves as salad greens (young), roots roasted as coffee substitute, flowers in wine. An early-season pollen and nectar source for bees.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 1'6"
Width/Spread6" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowers from March through October, with peak bloom in April through June. Individual heads open on sunny mornings and close at night and in rain. Scapes elongate after pollination. Reproduces primarily by apomixis: seeds develop without fertilization, producing genetic clones. Pollen is produced and collected by bees but is not required for seed formation. In the Pacific Northwest, some flowering occurs in every month of the year in mild winters.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Medium green, deeply pinnately lobed with backward-pointing triangular lobes (runcinate); in a basal rosette; milky latex throughoutGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Digging the entire taproot is the most effective removal method; the taproot must be extracted to at least 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) depth, as fragments regenerate. A narrow dandelion weeding tool or forked weeder is the standard tool. Mowing removes flower heads but does not eliminate the rosette, and plants flower at progressively shorter scape heights under repeated mowing. In lawns, maintaining dense, vigorous turf at 3+ inches (8+ cm) mowing height suppresses establishment. The apomictic reproduction means a single plant colonizes without pollination. The long-lived seed bank and wind dispersal make eradication from large areas impractical; management focuses on reducing density.Pruning
No pruning applicable. Plants are dug with a narrow weeding tool, extracting 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) of taproot. Mowing before the pappus clock forms prevents seed dispersal but does not kill the rosette.Maintenance Level
moderate⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Days to Maturity
85–95 days
Plant Spacing
8 inches