description Dandelion Overview
Taraxacum officinale, the common dandelion, is a herbaceous perennial in the daisy family Asteraceae and is native to Eurasia. It forms a basal rosette of deeply toothed leaves and hollow flower stalks bearing yellow heads of many florets; after flowering, the fruits form a white, parachute-like seed head dispersed by wind. The leaves are eaten as a bitter green, the roots can be roasted as a coffee substitute, and the plant has a long history in traditional medicine, although its taxonomy is complicated by numerous microspecies. [Kew dandelion profile](https://www.kew.org/plants/dandelion)
help Dandelion FAQ
What is the common dandelion?
The common dandelion is Taraxacum officinale, a herbaceous perennial in the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is native to Eurasia and forms a basal rosette of deeply toothed leaves.
Why does a dandelion flower stalk look hollow?
Dandelions produce hollow flower stalks that rise from the basal leaf rosette. Each stalk carries a yellow flower head made of many small florets.
How does a dandelion make its familiar seed ball?
After flowering, the dandelion's fruits develop into a white, globe-shaped structure. The light fruits can be carried away from the parent plant by wind.
Is dandelion a perennial plant?
Yes. Taraxacum officinale is a herbaceous perennial, with a persistent root and a recurring basal rosette of leaves.
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