Taraxacum officinale
Taraxacum officinale
Dandelion
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Taxonomy
Family Asteraceae · Genus Taraxacum
Description
Taraxacum officinale, the cheerful dandelion, is a hardy, edible perennial with bright yellow blooms and fluffy seed heads. It thrives in a wide range of conditions, feeds pollinators, and offers tasty, nutritious greens and roots for the kitchen.
Common Names
DandelionCommon dandelionLion’s toothBlowball
Context
nativeRegion
Eurasia (Europe and Western Asia); now naturalized worldwide.
usdaZones
3-10
companionPlants
Tomato, Brassicas (cabbage, kale, broccoli), Fruit trees, Strawberry, Clover
culturalUses
Edible leaves, flowers, and roots (salads, teas, coffee substitute, wine); traditional herbal uses as a digestive and diuretic; supports pollinators.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun to partial shade; best leaf production in full sun.
WateringLow to moderate. Water when top inch of soil dries; drought-tolerant once established.
SoilAdaptable, prefers well-drained loam; tolerates clay and poor soils. pH 6.0–7.5.
FertilizerUsually unnecessary. For tender greens, apply a light, nitrogen-rich feed in early spring.
HumidityAverage outdoor humidity; no special needs.
TemperatureHardy perennial. Grows best 50–77°F (10–25°C); tolerates frost and winter cold to about USDA zone limits.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitLow-growing rosette-forming perennial herb with a deep taproot; hollow flower stalks bear composite yellow blooms.
Mature SizeRosette 4–12 in tall; flower stalks 6–18 in; spreads by seed.
Growth RateFast-growing and self-seeding.
BloomingIntermittently spring through fall; yellow flowers followed by globe seed heads.
DormancyDies back or slows in winter in cold climates; semi-evergreen in mild areas.
Propagation
MethodsSeed, Root cuttings, Crown division
DifficultyVery easy
Best SeasonEarly spring or early fall for sowing and division; seed can be sown almost any time frost-free.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningDeadhead flower heads before seed set to limit spread; trim leaves for continuous fresh growth.
RepottingNot typically potted; if container-grown for greens, refresh soil yearly and accommodate deep taproot.
Pests & DiseasesGenerally resilient. Occasional aphids, leaf miners, slugs, or powdery mildew; rarely serious.
ToxicityNon-toxic to humans and pets; milky sap (latex) may irritate sensitive skin.
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