Dandelion
(Taraxacum officinale)
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Dandelions are commonly seen in lawns, by the sides of driveways and in grassland in May and early June. Smaller patches can be observed throughout the summer. Plants range between 5 and 40 cm in height. |
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Before they flower they can be recognised by their distinctive circle of leaves.
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Dandelions have strongly toothed leaves. Their name derives from the French ‘dent de lion’ or lion’s teeth. |
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The flower. Although distinctive it is often confused with Coltsfoot, Hawkweed and other bright yellow, many petalled flowers.
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One of the key differences between Dandelions and other flowers like it is that it has a smooth (or slightly hairy) leafless stem which is hollow. When the stem is snapped the sap which comes out will stain your hands brown.
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The Dandelion seedhead, or 'clock'. Dandelions spread by windblown seeds and once established can live for up to five years.
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Choosing your plants
- •Select a patch of dandelion plants at least 10m from the nearest building.
- • Mark the patch with a ribbon on a stick or other marker to make sure that you always visit the same place.
- • If you have a large patch of plants mark off a one metre square area and observe only the plants within the square.
What to record
- • Record when the first flowers are open.
- • Note when the first seed head opens to form a ball of seeds.
- • Finally record when all or nearly all of the plants are blooming.