Etymology: Taraxacum: medieval name traceable through Arabic to the Persian talkh chakok, meaning "bitter herb"
Plants: erect, perennial, 2"-12" tall forb with milky juice
Leaves: basal, pinnately-divided, long and narrow, end lobe usually larger than the others
Flowers: head 1"-2" wide with only yellow ray flowers; inflorescence a single head on a long hollow stalk from the base of the plant; blooms April-Nov.
Fruits: brown, dry seed on fluffy pappus
Habitat: fields, lawns, disturbed sites
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FACU USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Purple Sage - Ethnobotanical Information: Detailed usage, preparation, and other helpful information Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"