Common Dandelion (Note: Not a tree)
Taraxacum officinale · Herbaceous Perennial (Not a tree species)
Plant Family
Asteraceae
Tree Category
Wildflower / Herb / Forb
Variety / Cultivar
Standard Wild Type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 10
About This Tree
While not a tree, this is a taprooted perennial herb forming a basal rosette of deeply lobed leaves. It produces yellow flower heads on hollow stalks and white seed puffs.
Leaf Characteristics
Basal rosette; leaves are simple, oblanceolate, 2–10 inches long, with deeply irregular, sharp-edged lobes (runcinate); arrangement is a whorled rosette.
Bark Characteristics
N/A (Herbaceous plant, no bark); possesses a thick, fleshy vertical taproot.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Eurasia and North America, now globally naturalized
Growing Season
Perennial; grows year-round in mild climates; flowers primarily in spring and fall
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; highly adaptable to various moisture levels; highly drought-tolerant once established.
Mature Size
Height: 2-18 inches; Spread: 6-12 inches; Growth rate: Fast; Lifespan: Perennial (many years).
Special Characteristics
Edible leaves and roots; medicinal uses; historically used for dandelion wine; pioneer species in disturbed soils.
Wildlife & Ecology
Critical early-season nectar and pollen source for bees and pollinators; seeds eaten by birds like goldfinches; leaves are food for some butterfly larvae.