Taraxacum officinale
An evergreen herbaceous perennial 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. Considered a weed in some situations, the leaves, flowers and roots can be 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 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 found naturally in grassy places and waste ground. A valuable plant for wildlife, providing pollen, nectar and seeds over a long period. Good in a species-rich lawn, or out-of-the-way places, it may be unwelcome on gravel paths and fine lawns. See dandelion for more information
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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