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DESCRIPTION:
Dandelion is a widely distributed perennial broadleaf weed. Cotyledons (seed leaves) are oval, hairless, and
have a midvein that terminates with a gland at the leaf tip. Leaves alternate along the stem. The first and
subsequent leaves are football shaped to oblong, taper at the base, with weakly toothed margins. Later leaves
are widest near the tip with gradually tapering bases and margins that are sparsely toothed. The mature plant
arises from a strong, deep taproot that exudes a milky substance
when cut. There is no visible stem. Leaves are sparsely hairy or
without hairs, have deeply serrated margins, and are clustered
in
a rosette at the base of the plant. Dandelion can reproduce from
seed almost year-round or it can regrow from its taproot.
Bright yellow flower heads, 1 to 2 inches (2.5 - 5 cm) across, consist of
petal-like ray flowers and are borne singly on the tip of a hollow stalk, 3
to 12 inches (7.5 - 30 cm) long.
Seeds are enclosed singly within fruiting bodies and
are attached to a long slender stalk that terminates in a parachute-like
structure called a pappus. Seeds are transported in the wind. The
bristles on the seeds can clog cultivation equipment.
See UC IPM's Dandelions Pest
Note for more information.
Broadleaf ID illustration.
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