Page 32 - A Field Guide to Fairfax County's Plants and Wildlife
P. 32
delion
(Taraxacum officinale)
Description
Although considered a weed, the
dandelion is a favorite flower of
children since they are easily found.
Hollow, purplish stalks are topped
with bright yellow flower heads
that rise 1 to 10 centimeters from a
group of jagged leaves arranged
in a whirled ring along the ground.
Dandelions produce flower heads
throughout the growing season
from early spring to autumn. This
perennial plant reproduces by seeds.
The deeply notched leaves give the Distribution and Habitat
plant its name. Dandelion is derived
from the French word dent-de-lion, Dandelions thrive in sun and a
which means the “lion’s tooth.” variety of soil conditions. They are
common in open spaces including
Similar to a birthday candle, many lawns, community parks and along
people make a wish and then try to sidewalks. They are abundant in all
blow all the seeds off a dandelion in five physiographic provinces.
hopes that their wish may come true.
Role in Food Web
Honeybees, various other bees
and wasps, grasshoppers, fireflies,
Eastern Cottontail Rabbits,
White-tailed Deer, songbirds and
Wild Turkeys feed on dandelions.
r 28 r
(Taraxacum officinale)
Description
Although considered a weed, the
dandelion is a favorite flower of
children since they are easily found.
Hollow, purplish stalks are topped
with bright yellow flower heads
that rise 1 to 10 centimeters from a
group of jagged leaves arranged
in a whirled ring along the ground.
Dandelions produce flower heads
throughout the growing season
from early spring to autumn. This
perennial plant reproduces by seeds.
The deeply notched leaves give the Distribution and Habitat
plant its name. Dandelion is derived
from the French word dent-de-lion, Dandelions thrive in sun and a
which means the “lion’s tooth.” variety of soil conditions. They are
common in open spaces including
Similar to a birthday candle, many lawns, community parks and along
people make a wish and then try to sidewalks. They are abundant in all
blow all the seeds off a dandelion in five physiographic provinces.
hopes that their wish may come true.
Role in Food Web
Honeybees, various other bees
and wasps, grasshoppers, fireflies,
Eastern Cottontail Rabbits,
White-tailed Deer, songbirds and
Wild Turkeys feed on dandelions.
r 28 r
