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Herbaceous Perennial

Taraxacum officinale
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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

Synonyms
Leontodon taraxacum
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
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

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