Identity, Physical Description.

Let the Dandelion introduce its self.

(+ click on the identified parts to view a separate image)

Taproot	A new Dandelion can also grow if some of the root, called a taproot because there is one long thick root that holds the plant in place and seeks out water, is left even if the plant and flower are removed.
Jagged Leaf	The leaves are green and jagged; they will appear before the stem and the flower. The leaves are the first thing to look for when staking out your Dandelion to observe.
Hollow Stem	The stem of the plant is hollow, and when broken a sticky white bitter sap will ooze out. Please avoid breaking the flower stem so that you can track when seeds are released, later!
Flower	The flower of the Dandelion is shaped like a circle and is bright yellow. It is symmetrical- meaning if you were to fold it in half it would look the same on both sides.
Seedhead	When finished flowering, the Dandelion flower turns to seed. The whole head of the flower will close up and the green bracts underneath the flower will close around the seeds. The yellow petals will disappear and the seeds mature. Then this new seed head will open up. These big puffy white seed heads, when blown by the wind or by you, can start 200 or more new plants. Remember this the next time you make a wish and blow the seeds away!

Dandelions are one of the most familiar sights of spring, though not a welcome one for some gardeners. In some countries Dandelions are much sought after as a salad plant and its roots are used to make soft drinks, wine and a coffee substitute! From May to July, they turn green lawns and pastures yellow with their flowers. Starting from the base of the plant, the leaves have slim stalks, but grow wider towards the tip. The leaf edges are very jagged or toothed. Small, green petals called bracts surround the bright yellow flowers.

Dandelions grow in a funnel shape. This helps any falling water like raindrops to run down the center of the plant right to its long root where it needs it.