Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

tur-AX-ah-cum  off-iss-a-NAIL-ee

Asteraceae

Native to: Europe and Asia, now widespread around the globe

Florida abundance and distribution: Throughout

Recognition:  An herbaceous perennial with milky sap and with 3”- 12” long, leaves with deeply toothed edges, in a basal rosette. Dandelions are easily recognized by their yellow flower heads that turn into round balls of silvery-white parachutes that blow away in the wind.

Potentially confused species: Youngia japonica

Contributed by: Ginelle Monico