![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/23\/2022\/11\/Dandelion-flower.-GettyImages-563405721-f4d9675.jpg?quality=90&crop=9px%2C16px%2C1982px%2C1320px&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Although a dandelion flower head looks like one large flower, it is actually composed of lots of small flowers (called florets) to create a composite flower head.<\/p>\n
Flowers are usually yellow, but as explained further down this page, the colour can vary between different species.<\/p>\n
Are dandelions good for pollinators?<\/h2>\n ![\""A\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/23\/2022\/02\/Brimstone-butterfly-on-dandelion.-GettyImages-959783936-7187c59.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C723"\" "\\"\"A\\"")
<\/picture><\/div> A brimstone butterfly feeding from a dandelion flower. \u00a9 Sandra Standbridge\/Getty<\/span> <\/figcaption> ![\""A\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/23\/2022\/04\/7-spot-ladybird-on-dandelion.-GettyImages-544639963-dcd5d74.jpg?quality=90&resize=525%2C683"\" "\\"\"A\\"")
<\/picture><\/div> A 7-spot ladybird on a dandelion flower. \u00a9 Cuveland\/ullstein bild\/Getty<\/span> <\/figcaption> ![\""A\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/23\/2021\/10\/Thick-legged-flower-beetle-on-a-dandelion-flower.-GettyImages-1333535252-c30921d.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C723"\" "\\"\"A\\"")
<\/picture><\/div> A male thick-legged flower beetle feeding from a dandelion flower. \u00a9 TorriPhoto\/Getty<\/span> <\/figcaption> ![\""A\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/23\/2021\/10\/Solitary-bee-on-a-dandelion.-GettyImages-1287272276-fc25559.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C723"\" "\\"\"A\\"")
<\/picture><\/div> A solitary bee feeding from a dandelion flower. \u00a9 Ilona Kryzhanivska\/500px\/Getty<\/span> <\/figcaption> ![\""A\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/23\/2020\/03\/Red-tailed-bumblebee.-GettyImages-1136829164-2be2d95.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C723"\" "\\"\"A\\"")
<\/picture><\/div> A red tailed bumblebee on a dandelion. \u00a9 T Bradford\/Getty<\/span> <\/figcaption> The leaves are also a caterpillar foodplant<\/a> for a variety of moth species, including the orange swift, large yellow underwing, giant leopard and riband wave.<\/p>\nAuthor, naturalist and presenter Nick Baker discusses why dandelions and other \u2018weeds\u2019 are important for wildlife<\/a>. He says, \u201cDo you want to do your bit to help reverse the decline in pollinators, such as bees? Then be less hasty with your lawnmower in the spring. Abstaining with the blades allows a bounty of blooms for early-season pollinators.\u201d<\/p>\n More on pollinators:\u00a0<\/h4>\n- Best plants to grow for pollinators in your wildlife garden<\/a><\/li>\n
- Best plants for bumblebees<\/a><\/li>\n
- Best flowering plants for butterflies throughout the year<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to make a bee hotel<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
<\/p><\/div> <\/section>
How to identify dandelions<\/h2>\n
One of the key identifying features for a dandelion is the yellow composite flower head \u2013 but there are some other plants such as hawkweeds which can look similar and cause confusion.<\/p>\n
With such variety in dandelion flowers and leaves, it can take expertise to identify a dandelion to exact species level.<\/p>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Common dandelion (<\/em>Taraxacum officinale) in a meadow, in Bavaria, Germany, Europe. \u00a9 Martin Ruegner\/Gett<\/em>y<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\nThe most well-known species is the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale<\/em>), which is native to Europe and has been introduced to North America. It typically grows between 5-40 cm in height (though taller plants are known), with leaves that measure between 5-45cm in length and 1-20 in width and are usually lobed and toothed.<\/p>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Close-up of dandelion seeds. \u00a9 Daniela Garling\/Getty<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\nAfter flowering, dandelions create a spherical seed head (commonly known as clocks in both the UK and America). Each fruit (containing the seeds) is attached to a pappus, which has fine feather-like filaments that aid in dispersal.<\/p>\n
We often think of plants as inanimate, lifeless objects in the landscape, when that couldn\u2019t be further from the truth! Plants are vibrant, living, breathing creatures forever finding ways to get the edge on their competition and avoid predation. One way dandelions do this is in the way they\u2019ve evolved to develop their seeds.<\/p>\n
To attract pollinators, dandelions throw their flowers high in the spring to attract as many pollinating insects as possible, but when flowering is finished and seeds begin to develop inside the old flowering head, this presents a problem.<\/p>\n
Developing dandelion seeds are a favourite spring foodstuff for lots of birds, especially finches which pry open flowering heads to feast on all of the developing baby dandelions.<\/p>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> The four stages of a dandelion head. \u00a9 Luxx Images\/Getty<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\nTo try and avoid voracious predators, once flowering finishes, flowering stems go limp and hug the ground to keep developing seeds out of sight.<\/p>\n
Once seeds become ripe, they quickly throw up their stems again and expose ripe seeds to the next gust of wind that comes along. Isn\u2019t nature incredible?<\/p>\n More on plant identification:<\/h4>\n- How to identify ferns<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to identify wild fruits<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to identify non-native summer flowers<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to tell the difference between hawthorn and blackthorn<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
<\/p><\/div> <\/section>
Why are there so many species of dandelion?<\/h2>\n
We\u2019re all familiar with dandelions, but did you know that here in Britain we have around 250 different species? From tiny ones scarcely bigger than a 50p piece to some that are spottier than a jaguar. But why and how do we have so many species?<\/p>\n
The answer is a peculiar process known as \u2018apomixis\u2019, through which plants are able to reproduce by seeds without the need for pollination \u2013 a form of asexual reproduction. These seeds produced an exact clone copy of the parent. But how does apomixis mean we have so many different dandelions?<\/p>\n
It all started millenia ago where the fertile ancestors of our dandelions in southern Europe interbred to create flowers that were fully apomictic. These hybrids then spread out over northern Europe to occupy all manner of different habitats where they may still be found today.<\/p>\n
And because these peculiar hybrid plants were fixed, plant taxonomists have described each of these different dandelions as microspecies.<\/p>\n
How far can dandelion seeds travel?<\/h2>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Young woman blowing dandelion seeds in Orgeval, France. \u00a9 PhotoAlto\/Frederic Cirou\/Getty<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\nDandelions are a group of plants with one fantabulous wee adaptation, and that adaptation can be found in their seeds! Over eons, the ancestors of our dandelions evolved aerodynamic, furry umbrellas attached to their seeds which means that they\u2019re able to disperse themselves over immense distances and pop up where conditions are favourable. One study found that dandelion seeds are able to travel as far as 100 kilometres!<\/p>\n
Why are dandelions named after lions?<\/h2>\n
Dandelions are named from the French \u2018dent de lion\u2019, meaning \u2018tooth of the lion\u2019. You may think dandelions were so named for being such ferocious and fearsome creatures, but you might be surprised to hear that isn\u2019t the case. Their name originates from their serrated leaves which give the appearance of sharp, feline teeth.<\/p>\n
Are dandelion flowers always yellow?<\/h2>\n
Contrary to popular belief, dandelions aren\u2019t always yellow! In Britain, we have species like the sharp-toothed dandelion (Taraxacum argutum<\/em>) which have vibrant orange flowers.<\/p>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
<\/picture><\/div> <\/picture><\/div> <\/picture><\/div> <\/picture><\/div> <\/picture><\/div> The leaves are also a caterpillar foodplant<\/a> for a variety of moth species, including the orange swift, large yellow underwing, giant leopard and riband wave.<\/p>\n Author, naturalist and presenter Nick Baker discusses why dandelions and other \u2018weeds\u2019 are important for wildlife<\/a>. He says, \u201cDo you want to do your bit to help reverse the decline in pollinators, such as bees? Then be less hasty with your lawnmower in the spring. Abstaining with the blades allows a bounty of blooms for early-season pollinators.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> <\/section> One of the key identifying features for a dandelion is the yellow composite flower head \u2013 but there are some other plants such as hawkweeds which can look similar and cause confusion.<\/p>\n With such variety in dandelion flowers and leaves, it can take expertise to identify a dandelion to exact species level.<\/p>\n The most well-known species is the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale<\/em>), which is native to Europe and has been introduced to North America. It typically grows between 5-40 cm in height (though taller plants are known), with leaves that measure between 5-45cm in length and 1-20 in width and are usually lobed and toothed.<\/p>\n After flowering, dandelions create a spherical seed head (commonly known as clocks in both the UK and America). Each fruit (containing the seeds) is attached to a pappus, which has fine feather-like filaments that aid in dispersal.<\/p>\n We often think of plants as inanimate, lifeless objects in the landscape, when that couldn\u2019t be further from the truth! Plants are vibrant, living, breathing creatures forever finding ways to get the edge on their competition and avoid predation. One way dandelions do this is in the way they\u2019ve evolved to develop their seeds.<\/p>\n To attract pollinators, dandelions throw their flowers high in the spring to attract as many pollinating insects as possible, but when flowering is finished and seeds begin to develop inside the old flowering head, this presents a problem.<\/p>\n Developing dandelion seeds are a favourite spring foodstuff for lots of birds, especially finches which pry open flowering heads to feast on all of the developing baby dandelions.<\/p>\n To try and avoid voracious predators, once flowering finishes, flowering stems go limp and hug the ground to keep developing seeds out of sight.<\/p>\n Once seeds become ripe, they quickly throw up their stems again and expose ripe seeds to the next gust of wind that comes along. Isn\u2019t nature incredible?<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> <\/section> We\u2019re all familiar with dandelions, but did you know that here in Britain we have around 250 different species? From tiny ones scarcely bigger than a 50p piece to some that are spottier than a jaguar. But why and how do we have so many species?<\/p>\n The answer is a peculiar process known as \u2018apomixis\u2019, through which plants are able to reproduce by seeds without the need for pollination \u2013 a form of asexual reproduction. These seeds produced an exact clone copy of the parent. But how does apomixis mean we have so many different dandelions?<\/p>\n It all started millenia ago where the fertile ancestors of our dandelions in southern Europe interbred to create flowers that were fully apomictic. These hybrids then spread out over northern Europe to occupy all manner of different habitats where they may still be found today.<\/p>\n And because these peculiar hybrid plants were fixed, plant taxonomists have described each of these different dandelions as microspecies.<\/p>\n Dandelions are a group of plants with one fantabulous wee adaptation, and that adaptation can be found in their seeds! Over eons, the ancestors of our dandelions evolved aerodynamic, furry umbrellas attached to their seeds which means that they\u2019re able to disperse themselves over immense distances and pop up where conditions are favourable. One study found that dandelion seeds are able to travel as far as 100 kilometres!<\/p>\n Dandelions are named from the French \u2018dent de lion\u2019, meaning \u2018tooth of the lion\u2019. You may think dandelions were so named for being such ferocious and fearsome creatures, but you might be surprised to hear that isn\u2019t the case. Their name originates from their serrated leaves which give the appearance of sharp, feline teeth.<\/p>\n Contrary to popular belief, dandelions aren\u2019t always yellow! In Britain, we have species like the sharp-toothed dandelion (Taraxacum argutum<\/em>) which have vibrant orange flowers.<\/p>\nMore on pollinators:\u00a0<\/h4>\n
How to identify dandelions<\/h2>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/23\/2022\/11\/Dandelions.-GettyImages-145629450-26c968b.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/23\/2022\/11\/Dandelion-seed.-GettyImages-547889637-c19b237.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/23\/2022\/11\/Dandelion-flowers-and-seeds.-GettyImages-106617165-62d45e8.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C412"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>More on plant identification:<\/h4>\n
Why are there so many species of dandelion?<\/h2>\n
How far can dandelion seeds travel?<\/h2>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/23\/2022\/11\/Blowing-dandelion-seeds.-GettyImages-1337045510-778130a.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Why are dandelions named after lions?<\/h2>\n
Are dandelion flowers always yellow?<\/h2>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/23\/2022\/11\/Taraxacum-albidum-3da204c.jpeg?quality=90&resize=307%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
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