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{{Short description|Genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae}}
{{Hatnote|"Dandelion" redirects here. It may refer to any species of the genus ''Taraxacum'' or specifically to ''[[Taraxacum officinale]]''. For similar plants, see [[False dandelion]]. For other uses, see [[Dandelion (disambiguation)]]}}
{{cs1 config|name-list-style=vanc|display-authors=3}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Automatic taxobox
| fossil_range = Miocene–recent, {{fossil range|16.2|0|ref=<ref>{{cite journal |title=Complete chloroplast genomes from apomictic Taraxacum (Asteraceae): Identity and variation between three microspecies |author=Rubar Hussein M. Salih |author2=Ľuboš Majeský |author3=Trude Schwarzacher |author4=R. Gornall |author5=Pat Heslop-Harrison |date=9 February 2017 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0168008 |pmid=28182646 |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=12 |issue=2 |at=e0168008|pmc=5300115 |bibcode=2017PLoSO..1268008M|doi-access=free }}</ref>}}
| image = DandelionFlower.jpg
| image2 = TaraxacumOfficinaleSeed.JPG
| image2_caption = A [[common dandelion]] (''T. officinale'') flower head composed of numerous small [[floret]]s (top); the seed head is shown below it.
| display_parents = 3
| taxon = Taraxacum
| authority = [[Friedrich Heinrich Wiggers|F. H. Wigg.]]
| type_species = ''[[Taraxacum officinale]]''<ref>{{cite journal |author=Adrian John Richards |year=1985 |title=Sectional nomenclature in ''Taraxacum'' (Asteraceae) |journal=[[Taxon (journal)|Taxon]] |volume=34 |issue=4 |pages=633–644 |jstor=1222201|doi=10.2307/1222201|bibcode=1985Taxon..34..633R }}</ref>
| type_species_authority = [[Friedrich Heinrich Wiggers|F.H.Wigg.]]
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision = See
| synonyms = {{hidden begin|title = List}}
* ''Caramanica'' <small>Tineo</small>
* ''Eriopus'' <small>D.Don</small>
* ''Lasiopus'' <small>D.Don</small>
* ''Neo-taraxacum'' <small>Y.R.Ling & X.D.Sun</small>
* ''Wendelboa'' <small>Soest</small>
{{hidden end}}
}}
[[File:Dandelion Stigma.jpg|thumb|Dandelion bilobed stigma bearing pollen]]
'''''Taraxacum''''' ({{IPAc-en|t|ə|ˈ|r|æ|k|s|ə|k|əm}})<ref>{{cite Merriam-Webster|Taraxacum}}</ref> is a [[genus]] of [[flowering plant]]s in the family [[Asteraceae]], which consists of species commonly known as '''dandelions'''. The scientific and hobby study of the genus is known as taraxacology. The genus has a near-[[cosmopolitan distribution]], absent only from tropical and polar areas.<ref name="POWO">{{cite web | title=''Taraxacum'' F.H.Wigg. | website=Plants of the World Online | date=2023-01-01 | url=https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn%3Alsid%3Aipni.org%3Anames%3A328762-2 | access-date=2025-06-17}}</ref> Two of the most common species worldwide, ''[[Taraxacum officinale|T. officinale]]'' (the common dandelion) and ''[[Taraxacum erythrospermum|T. erythrospermum]]'' (the red-seeded dandelion), are [[Europe]]an species introduced into North America, where they are [[non-native species|non-native]].<ref name="FNA">{{cite web |first=Luc|last=Brouillet |url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=132314 |title= ''Taraxacum'' F. H. Wiggers, Prim. Fl. Holsat. 56. 1780 |website=[[Flora of North America]]}}</ref> Dandelions thrive in temperate regions and can be found in yards, gardens, sides of roads, among crops, and in many other habitats.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Boguś |first1=Mieczysława Irena |last2=Wrońska |first2=Anna Katarzyna |last3=Kaczmarek |first3=Agata |last4=Drozdowski |first4=Mikołaj |last5=Laskowski |first5=Zdzisław |last6=Myczka |first6=Anna |last7=Cybulska |first7=Aleksandra |last8=Gołębiowski |first8=Marek |last9=Chwir-Gołębiowska |first9=Adrianna |last10=Siecińska |first10=Lena |last11=Mokijewska |first11=Ewelina |date=2023-01-20 |title=A comprehensive analysis of chemical and biological pollutants (natural and anthropogenic origin) of soil and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) samples |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=18 |issue=1 |article-number=e0280810 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0280810 |pmc=9858760 |pmid=36662824 |bibcode=2023PLoSO..1880810B |doi-access=free }}</ref>
Like other members of the family Asteraceae, they have very small flowers collected together into a composite [[flower head]]. Each single flower in a head is called a ''[[floret]]''. In part due to their abundance, along with being a [[generalist species]], dandelions are one of the most vital early spring [[#Nectar|nectar]] sources for a wide host of [[pollinators]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2015/may/12/dandelions-pollinators-wildlife-garden |title=Let dandelions grow. Bees, beetles and birds need them |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=12 May 2015 }}</ref> Many ''Taraxacum'' species produce seeds [[asexual reproduction|asexually]] by [[apomixis]], where the seeds are produced without [[pollination]], resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
==Etymology==
The Latin name ''Taraxacum'' derives from the [[Arabic]] {{lang|ar-Latn|tarakhshaqūn}}, meaning "bitter herb".<ref name="gledhill">Gledhill, David (2008). ''The Names of Plants''. Cambridge University Press. {{ISBN|9780521866453}} (hardback), {{ISBN|9780521685535}} (paperback). pp 279, 371</ref> The Arabic term is possibly of [[Persian language|Persian]] origin.<ref>{{cite dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/taraxacum |dictionary=Collins |title=Taraxacum |access-date=2 May 2025}}</ref> Persian polymath [[Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi|Al-Razi]] used the word {{lang|ar-Latn|tarakhshaqūn}} in relation to dandelions, chicory, and endives.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Neves |first1=Liz |title=Northeast Medicinal Plants: Identify, Harvest, and Use 111 Wild Herbs for Health and Wellness |date=2 June 2020 |publisher=Timber Press |isbn=978-1-60469-913-5 |page=14 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=femvDwAAQBAJ |language=en}}</ref> Al-Razi wrote "the {{lang|ar-Latn|tarakhshaqūn}} is like chicory, but more efficacious"; it is unclear exactly to which plant Al-Razi referred however.<ref name="Skeat-1888" /> If Persian in origin, the word could have originally meant "bitter [[purslane]]" from {{Lang|fa|تلک}} ({{Lang|fa-Latn|talk}}, 'bitter') and {{Lang|fa|چکش}} ({{Lang|fa-Latn|chakūk}}, 'purslane').<ref>{{cite book |title=The Australian Oxford dictionary |date=2005 |publisher=Oxford University Press |___location=South Melbourne, Vic |isbn=978-0-19-173505-9 |edition=2nd |section=Taraxacum}}</ref> [[Gerard of Cremona]], in translating Arabic to Latin around 1170, spelled it ''tarasacon''.<ref name="Skeat-1888">Reported in ''An Etymological Dictionary of the English Language'', by Walter W. Skeat (1888) ([https://archive.org/details/etymologicaldict00skeauoft Downloadable at Archive.org]). In ''An Etymology Dictionary of Modern English'' by Ernest Weekley (1921) it is reported that Arabic طرشقون ''tarashaqun'' is derivable in turn from Persian تلخ چکوک ''talkh chakok'', bitter herb ([https://archive.org/details/etymologicaldict00weekuoft Downloadable at Archive.org]).</ref>
The English name, dandelion, is a borrowing of the French {{Lang|fr|dent de lion}}<ref name="Sturtevant 1886 5–9" /><ref>S. Potter & L. Sargent (1973) Pedigree: essays on the etymology of words from nature. Collins New Naturalist series Volume 56</ref> meaning "lion's tooth", referring to the coarsely toothed leaves. The plant is also known as blowball, cankerwort, doon-head-clock, witch's gowan, milk witch, lion's-tooth, yellow-gowan, Irish daisy, monks-head, priest's-crown, and puff-ball;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QGtYAAAAYAAJ|title=An illustrated flora of the northern United States and Canada: from Newfoundland to the parallel of the southern boundary of Virginia, and from the Atlantic Ocean westward to the 102d meridian|publisher=Dover Publications|year=1970|isbn=978-0-486-22644-6|___location=New York|page=315|author1=Britton, N. F.|author2=Brown, Addison}}</ref> other common names include faceclock, pee-a-bed, wet-a-bed,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/akso/NatRes/EPMT/Species_bios/Taraxacum%20officinale.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010233142/http://www.nps.gov/akso/NatRes/EPMT/Species_bios/Taraxacum%20officinale.pdf|archive-date=10 October 2008|title=Common Dandelion_Family: Asteraceae}}</ref> swine's snout,<ref name="Sturtevant 1886 5–9" /><ref name="Loewer2001">{{Cite book | last = Loewer | first = Peter | year = 2001 | title = Solving weed problems | page = [https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781585742745/page/210 210] | url = https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781585742745 | url-access = registration | quote = Swine's Snout. | isbn = 978-1-58574-274-5 | publisher = Lyons Press | ___location = Guilford, Conn.}}</ref> white endive, and wild endive.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Dandelion+clock|title=Dandelion clock|work=TheFreeDictionary.com}}</ref> The English folk name "[[Bedwetting|piss-a-bed]]" (and the equivalent French ''{{Lang|fr|pissenlit}}'') refers to the strong [[diuretic]] effect of the plant's leaves.<ref name="Taylor">{{cite book|last=Taylor|first=Joseph|title=Antiquitates curiosae: the etymology of many remarkable old sayings, proverbs and singular customs explained by Joseph Taylor|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OveC_aPCuXcC&pg=PA97|edition=2nd|year=1819|publisher=T&J Allman|page=97}}</ref> In [[Swedish language|Swedish]], it is called {{Lang|swe|maskros}} (worm rose) after the [[thrips|thrip]] nymphs usually present on the plant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://linnaeus.nrm.se/flora/di/astera/tarax/welcome.html |title=Den virtuella floran: Taraxacum F. H. Wigg. - Maskrosor |publisher=Linnaeus.nrm.se |language=sv |access-date=2010-07-03}}</ref>
==Description==
[[File:Two stages in the life cycle of a dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – flower head and seed head.jpg|thumb|left|Two stages in the life cycle of a [[common dandelion]] (''Taraxacum officinale'') – flower head and seed head|alt=Two life cycle stages of a common dandelion – flower head and seed head]]
''Taraxacum'' species are [[taproot|tap-rooted]], [[perennial plant|perennial]], [[herbaceous]] plants, native to [[temperate]] areas of the [[Northern Hemisphere]]. The genus contains many species, which usually (or in the case of [[triploids]], obligately) reproduce by [[apomixis]], resulting in many local populations and [[endemism]]. In the [[British Isles]] alone, 234 [[species complex|microspecies]] (i.e. morphologically distinct clonal populations) are recognised in nine loosely defined sections.<ref name="Stace">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nJ3YP28EjscC |title=New Flora of the British Isles |last=Stace|first=C. A. |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-521-70772-5 |edition=Third|___location=Cambridge, U.K.|page=712|author-link=Stace, C. A.}}</ref> A number of ''Taraxacum'' species can act as [[ruderal]]s, pioneer species that rapidly colonise disturbed soil. The [[common dandelion]] (''T. officinale'') has been introduced over much of the temperate world, and it is especially effective at spreading along roads, cemeteries, lawns, and pastures.<ref>{{cite web |title=Common Dandelion |url=https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/common-dandelion |website=Missouri Department of Conservation |language=en}}</ref> A week or two after flowering, the dandelion's flower becomes a round seed head.<ref name="Bond-2007">{{cite web |last1=Bond |first1=W. |last2=Davies |first2=G. |last3=Turner |first3=R. |title=The biology and non-chemical control of Dandelion |url=https://garden-organic.files.svdcdn.com/production/documents/taraxacum-spp.pdf?dm=1726651599 |website=Garden Organic |publisher=HDRA, Ryton Organic Gardens |access-date=25 May 2025 |date=October 2007}}</ref> The [[bract]]s, specialized leaves around the flower, curve backwards. The parachute ball fully opens into a sphere,<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Brock |first1=Marcus T. |last2=Weinig |first2=Cynthia |last3=Galen |first3=Candace |title=A comparison of phenotypic plasticity in the native dandelion Taraxacum ceratophorum and its invasive congener T. officinale |journal=New Phytologist |date=2005 |volume=166 |issue=1 |pages=173–183 |doi=10.1111/j.1469-8137.2004.01300.x |pmid=15760361 |bibcode=2005NewPh.166..173B |url=https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2004.01300.x |language=en |issn=1469-8137|url-access=subscription }}</ref> and the yellow petals fall away.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dean |first1=Signe |title=This GIF of a Dandelion Posted on Reddit Is Blowing People's Minds For a Crazy Reason |url=https://www.sciencealert.com/dandelion-timelapse-video-yellow-flower-white-seed-head-same-plant |website=ScienceAlert |date=16 May 2018}}</ref> When development is complete, the mature seeds are attached to white, fluffy "parachutes", which easily detach from the seed head and glide on the wind, dispersing.<ref>{{cite web |title=Taraxacum officinale |url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/forb/taroff/all.html |website=Fire Effects Information System |publisher=United States Department of Agriculture |access-date=24 May 2025}}</ref>
[[File:Pollen grains of Taraxacum.jpg|thumb|Individual [[pollen grains]] of ''T. officinale'']]
In general, the leaves are {{Convert|5-25|cm|in|1}} long or longer, simple, lobed-to-pinnatisect, forming a basal [[Rosette (botany)|rosette]] above the central [[taproot]]. The [[flower head]]s range from yellow to orange, and they are open in the daytime, but closed at night. The heads are attached to a hollow stem ([[Scape (botany)|scape]]) that is usually leafless and rises {{Convert|1-10|cm|in|1}} or more above the ground.<ref name="FNA" /> Stems and leaves exude a white, milky [[latex]] when broken. A rosette may produce several flowering stems at a time. The flower heads are {{Convert|2-5|cm|in|1}} in diameter and consist entirely of ray [[floret]]s. The flower heads mature into spherical seed heads, sometimes called ''blowballs'' or ''clocks'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/blowball |title=blowball |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |year=2003 |work=McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms |edition=6th |publisher=[[McGraw-Hill]] Companies |access-date=2013-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://ldoceonline.com/dictionary/dandelion-clock |title=dandelion clock |work=Longman English Dictionary Online |publisher=[[Pearson plc|Pearson]] |access-date=2019-06-02}}</ref> containing many single-seeded fruits named [[Asteraceae#Fruits and seeds|cypselae]], which are similar to [[achene]]s. Each cypsela is attached to a [[pappus (flower structure)|pappus]] of fine hair-like material, which enables [[anemochory|anemochorous]] (wind-aided) dispersal over long distances.<ref>{{cite conference |conference=The National Conference On Undergraduate Research |last1=Singleton |first1=Evan |title=The Possible Effect of Cypsela Morphology on Endemism in Solidago shortii |url=https://libjournals.unca.edu/ncur/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2369-Singleton-Evan-FINAL.pdf |date=April 6–8, 2017 |___location=Memphis, Tennessee}}</ref>
The seeds are able to cover large distances when dispersed due to the unique morphology of the [[Pappus (botany)|pappus]], which works to create a unique type of [[vortex ring]] that stays attached to the seed rather than being sent downstream.<ref name=Cummins18>{{Cite journal|last1=Cummins|first1=Cathal|last2=Seale|first2=Madeleine|last3=Macente|first3=Alice|last4=Certini|first4=Daniele|last5=Mastropaolo|first5=Enrico|last6=Viola|first6=Ignazio Maria|last7=Nakayama|first7=Naomi|date=2018|title=A separated vortex ring underlies the flight of the dandelion|journal=Nature|volume=562|issue=7727|pages=414–8|doi=10.1038/s41586-018-0604-2|pmid=30333579|bibcode=2018Natur.562..414C|s2cid=52988814 |url=http://eprints.gla.ac.uk/171858/7/171858.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Ledda|first1=P. G.|last2=Siconolfi|first2=L.|last3=Viola|first3=F.|last4=Camarri|first4=S.|last5=Gallaire|first5=F.|date=2019-07-02|title=Flow dynamics of a dandelion pappus: A linear stability approach|journal=Physical Review Fluids|volume=4|issue=7|article-number=071901|doi=10.1103/physrevfluids.4.071901|bibcode=2019PhRvF...4g1901L|issn=2469-990X|hdl=11568/998044|s2cid=198429309|hdl-access=free}}</ref> In addition to the creation of this vortex ring, the pappus can adjust its morphology depending on the moisture in the air; this allows the plume of seeds to close up and reduce the chance to separate from the stem, waiting for optimal conditions that will maximise dispersal and germination.<ref>{{Cite journal|title= Environmental morphing enables informed dispersal of the dandelion diaspore|last1=Seale|first1=Madeleine|last2=Zhdanov|first2=Oleksandr|date=2019-02-07|last3=Cummins|first3=Cathal|last4=Kroll|first4=Erika|last5=Blatt|first5=Michael R|last6=Zare-Behtash|first6=Hossein|last7=Busse|first7=Angela|last8=Mastropaolo|first8=Enrico|last9=Viola|first9=Ignazio Maria|journal=eLife |volume=11 |doi=10.7554/eLife.81962|doi-access=free |pmid=36445222 |pmc=9797189 |hdl=10044/1/102018|hdl-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=Investigating seed dispersal distances and long distance dispersal mechanisms of the invasive plant, Alliaria Petiolata|last=Loebach|first=Christopher A.|year=2015|publisher=Illinois State University |isbn=978-1-321-78214-1|oclc=988948576}}</ref>[[File:Photos-photos 1088103921 Floating.jpg|thumb|The pappus of a dandelion seed, which aids in wind-driven dispersal]]In ''Taraxacum'' [[ovule]]s, the [[megaspore]] mother cell is the only cell committed to enter the [[meiosis|meiotic]] process.<ref name="Cornaro2025">{{cite journal | last1 = Cornaro | first1 = L | last2 = Banfi | first2 = C | last3 = Cavalleri | first3 = A | last4 = van Dijk | first4 = PJ | last5 = Radoeva | first5 = T | last6 = Cucinotta | first6 = M | last7 = Colombo | first7 = L | year = 2025 | title = Apomixis at high resolution: unravelling diplospory in Asteraceae | journal = J Exp Bot | volume = 76 | issue = 6| pages = 1644–1657 | doi = 10.1093/jxb/erae477 | pmid = 39673465 | pmc = 11981899 }}</ref> ''T. officinale'' is able to reproduce by a sexual meiotic process involving the production of haploid [[gamete]]s, as well as by an asexual [[parthenogenesis|parthenogenetic]] meiotic process, referred to as [[apomixis]], that produces diploid seeds genetically identical to the mother plant.<ref name="Cornaro2025" /> Parthenogenesis permits the autonomous development of an unreduced egg cell into an [[embryo]] without the requirement of fertilisation.<ref name="Cornaro2025" />[[File:Желтое море. Чистопольский р-н. РТ. Май 2014 - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Field of dandelions, [[Tatarstan]], Russia]]''Taraxacum'' flowers contain various [[phytochemical]]s, including [[polyphenol]]s such as [[flavonoids]] [[apigenin]], isoquercitrin (a [[quercetin]]-like compound), and [[caffeic acid]], as well as [[terpenoids]], [[triterpenes]], and [[sesquiterpenes]].<ref name="Schutz" /> The roots contain a substantial amount of the prebiotic fibre [[inulin]]. Dandelion greens contain [[lutein]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/carotenoids|title=Carotenoids|date=1 July 2016|publisher=Micronutrient Information Center, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University|access-date=27 June 2019}}</ref> [[Taraxalisin]], a serine [[Protease|proteinase]], is found in the [[latex]] of dandelion roots.<ref>{{Cite journal | pmid = 10521720| year = 1999| last1 = Bogacheva| first1 = A. M.| title = A new subtilisin-like proteinase from roots of the dandelion Taraxacum officinale Webb S. L| journal = Biochemistry. Biokhimiia| volume = 64| issue = 9| pages = 1030–7| last2 = Rudenskaya| first2 = G. N.| last3 = Preusser| first3 = A| last4 = Tchikileva| first4 = I. O.| last5 = Dunaevsky| first5 = Y. E.| last6 = Golovkin| first6 = B. N.| last7 = Stepanov| first7 = V. M.}}</ref><ref name="Rudenskaya">{{Cite journal|last1=Rudenskaya|first1=G. N.|last2=Bogacheva|first2=A. M.|last3=Preusser|first3=A.|last4=Kuznetsova|first4=A. V.|last5=Dunaevsky YaE|first5=null|last6=Golovkin|first6=B. N.|last7=Stepanov|first7=V. M.|date=1998-10-23|title=Taraxalisin -- a serine proteinase from dandelion Taraxacum officinale Webb s.l|journal=FEBS Letters|volume=437|issue=3|pages=237–240|issn=0014-5793|pmid=9824298|doi=10.1016/s0014-5793(98)01243-5|s2cid=43872064|doi-access=free|bibcode=1998FEBSL.437..237R }}</ref> Maximal activity of the proteinase in the roots is attained in April, at the beginning of plant development after the winter period.<ref name="Rudenskaya" /> Each dandelion seed produced in the spring weighs about half a [[milligram]] (mg). Seeds produced in summer are lighter, around 0.3 mg.<ref name="CALS-2025">{{cite web |title=Dandelion |url=https://cals.cornell.edu/weed-science/weed-profiles/dandelion |website=CALS |publisher=Cornell |access-date=3 May 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
=== Similar plants ===
[[File:HAWKBEARD.jpg|thumb|right|[[Crepis|Hawksbeard]] flower heads and ripe seeds are sometimes confused with dandelions.]]
[[File:Dandelion seedhead with only a single seed still attached.jpg|thumb|''T. officinale'' seed head with only one seed still attached]]
Many plants in the family [[Asteraceae]] with yellow flowers are sometimes known as [[false dandelion]]s. In the case of [[Hypochaeris|cat's ear]] (''Hypochaeris)'', both plants carry similar flowers, which form into windborne seeds. However, dandelion have unbranched, hairless and leafless, hollow stems, while cat's ear stems are branched, solid, and carry bracts. Both plants have a basal rosette of leaves and a central taproot. However, the leaves of dandelions are smooth, whereas those of ''cat's ear'' are hairy.<ref name="Stace" />{{rp|740}} Early-flowering dandelions may be distinguished from [[Tussilago farfara|coltsfoot]] (''Tussilago farfara'') by their basal rosette of leaves, their lack of disc florets, and the absence of scales on the flowering stem.<ref name="Blamey">{{cite book|last1=Blamey|first1=M.|last2=Fitter|first2=R.|last3=Fitter|first3=A|year=2003|title=Wild flowers of Britain and Ireland: The Complete Guide to the British and Irish Flora.|publisher=A & C Black|___location=London|isbn=978-1-4081-7950-5|page=274}}</ref> Other plants with superficially similar flowers include [[hawkweed]]s (''Hieracium'') and [[crepis|hawksbeard]]s (''Crepis''). These are distinguished by branched stems, which are usually hairy and bear leaves.<ref name="Stace" />{{rp|740}}
==Classification==
The genus is [[Taxonomy (biology)|taxonomically]] complex due to the presence of [[apomixis]]; any morphologically distinct clonal population would deserve its own [[microspecies]]. About 235 [[apomixis|apomictic]] and [[polyploid]] microspecies have been recorded in Great Britain and Ireland alone.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dSwmAQAAMAAJ|title=Dandelions of Great Britain and Ireland (Handbooks for Field Identification)|last=Richards|first=A.J.|publisher=Botanical Society of the British Isles Publications|year=1997|isbn=978-0-901158-25-3|page=330}}</ref> Phylogenetic approaches are also complicated by the accelerated mutation in apomixic lines and repeated ancient hybridisation events in the genus.<ref name=Kirschner/>
By 1970, the group was divided into about 34 macrospecies or [[Section (botany)|sections]], and about 2000 [[microspecies]];<ref name=Richards>{{cite journal |author=A. J. Richards |year=1970 |title=Eutriploid facultative agamospermy in ''Taraxacum'' |journal=[[New Phytologist]] |volume=69 |issue=3 |pages=761–774 |jstor=2430530 |doi=10.1111/j.1469-8137.1970.tb02461.x|doi-access=free |bibcode=1970NewPh..69..761R }}</ref> By 2015, the number had been revised to include 60 sections and about 2800 microspecies. 30 of these sections are known to reproduce sexually.<ref name=Kirschner>{{cite journal |last1=Kirschner |first1=Jan |last2=Záveská Drábková |first2=Lenka |last3=Štěpánek |first3=Jan |last4=Uhlemann |first4=Ingo |title=Towards a better understanding of the Taraxacum evolution (Compositae–Cichorieae) on the basis of nrDNA of sexually reproducing species |journal=Plant Systematics and Evolution |date=April 2015 |volume=301 |issue=4 |pages=1135–1156 |doi=10.1007/s00606-014-1139-0 |bibcode=2015PSyEv.301.1135K |s2cid=17903814 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265346629}}</ref>
Botanists specialising in the genus ''Taraxacum'' are sometimes called taraxacologists,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-17 |title=Overlooked dandelion diversity in BC (and everywhere in North America?) |url=https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/overlooked-dandelion-diversity-in-bc-and-everywhere-in-north-america/3808/59 |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=iNaturalist Community Forum }}</ref> such as [[Gunnar Marklund]], [[Johannes Leendert van Soest]] and A.J. Richards.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Dudman |first1=A. A. |title=Dandelions of Great Britain and Ireland |last2=Richards |first2=A. J. |last3=Stewart |first3=Olga |date=2000 |publisher=Botanical Society of the British Isles |isbn=978-0-901158-25-3 |edition=Reprinted with minor alterations 2000 |series=B.S.B.I. handbook |___location=London}}</ref>
===Selected species===
{{Main|List of Taraxacum species}}
* ''[[Taraxacum albidum]]'', the white-flowered Japanese dandelion, a [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]] between ''T. coreanum'' and ''T. japonicum''
* ''[[Taraxacum algarbiense]]''
* ''[[Taraxacum aphrogenes]]'', the Paphos dandelion
* ''[[Taraxacum arcticum]]''
* ''[[Taraxacum balticum]]''
* ''[[Taraxacum brachyceras]]''
* ''[[Taraxacum brevicorniculatum]]'', frequently misidentified as ''T. kok-saghyz'' and a poor rubber producer<ref name="Nowicki 1915">{{Cite journal|last1=Nowicki|first1=Marcin|last2=Zhao|first2=Yichen|last3=Boggess|first3=Sarah L.|last4=Fluess|first4=Helge|last5=Payá-Milans|first5=Miriam|last6=Staton|first6=Margaret E.|last7=Houston|first7=Logan C.|last8=Hadziabdic|first8=Denita|last9=Trigiano|first9=Robert N.|date=2019-02-13|title=Taraxacum kok-saghyz (rubber dandelion) genomic microsatellite loci reveal modest genetic diversity and cross-amplify broadly to related species|journal=Scientific Reports|volume=9|issue=1|page=1915|doi=10.1038/s41598-019-38532-8|pmid=30760810|pmc=6374447|bibcode=2019NatSR...9.1915N|issn=2045-2322}}</ref>
* ''[[Taraxacum californicum]]'', the California dandelion, an endangered species
* ''[[Taraxacum carneocoloratum]]''
* ''[[Taraxacum centrasiaticum]]'', the Xinjiang dandelion
* ''[[Taraxacum officinale#North American dandelions|Taraxacum ceratophorum]]'', the horned dandelion, considered by some sources to be a North American subspecies of ''T. officinale'' (''T. officinale'' subsp. ''ceratophorum'')<ref>{{ cite web | url = http://www.abmi.ca/abmi/biodiversitybrowser/speciesprofile.jsp?tsnId=36200&rankId=220&kingdomId=3 | title = Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute - Taraxacum ceratophorum | access-date = 2013-08-29 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140708002640/http://www.abmi.ca/abmi/biodiversitybrowser/speciesprofile.jsp?tsnId=36200&rankId=220&kingdomId=3 | archive-date = 8 July 2014}}</ref>
* ''[[Taraxacum coreanum]]''
* ''[[Taraxacum desertorum]]''
* ''[[Taraxacum erythrospermum]]'', the red-seeded dandelion, often considered a variety of ''T. laevigatum'' (i.e., ''T. laevigatum'' var. ''erythrospermum'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242417345 |title=Flora of North America |publisher=Efloras.org |access-date=2012-08-29}}</ref>
* ''[[Taraxacum farinosum]]'', the Turkish dandelion
* ''[[Taraxacum holmboei]]'', the Troödos dandelion
* ''[[Taraxacum hybernum]]''
* ''[[Taraxacum japonicum]]'', the Japanese dandelion, no ring of smallish, downward-turned leaves under the flower head
* ''[[Taraxacum kok-saghyz]]'', the Kazakh dandelion, which produces rubber<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Taraxacum+kok-saghyz|title=Plants for a Future Search Error|website=www.ibiblio.org|access-date=2017-04-17}}</ref><ref name="Nowicki 1915"/>
* ''[[Taraxacum laevigatum]]'', the rock dandelion, achenes reddish brown and leaves deeply cut throughout the length, inner bracts' tips are hooded
* ''[[Taraxacum lissocarpum]]''
* ''[[Taraxacum minimum]]''
* ''[[Taraxacum mirabile]]''
* ''[[Taraxacum officinale]]'' (syn. ''T. officinale'' subsp. ''vulgare''), the common dandelion, found in many forms
* ''[[Taraxacum pankhurstianum]]'', the St. Kilda dandelion
* ''[[Taraxacum platycarpum]]'', the Korean dandelion
* ''[[Taraxacum pseudoroseum]]''
* ''[[Taraxacum rubifolium]]''
* ''[[Taraxacum suecicum]]''
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===Cultivars===
*'Amélioré à Coeur Plein' yields an abundant crop with minimal ground space because its leaves clump rather than spreading out.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Crawford |first1=Martin |title=How to Grow Perennial Vegetables: Low-maintenance, low-impact vegetable gardening |date=2012 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-0-85784-093-6 |page=97 |language=en}}</ref>
*'Broad-leaved' - The leaves are thick and tender. It grows up to 60 mm (2') wide depending on the soil.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Rana |first1=M. K. |title=Vegetable Crop Science |date=2017 |publisher=CRC Press |isbn=978-1-351-65279-7 |page=149 |language=en}}</ref>
*'Vert de Montmagny' is a large-leaved, vigorous grower, which matures early.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dandelion|work=Louis Bonduelle Foundation |date=5 October 2016 |url=http://www.fondation-louisbonduelle.org/france/en/know-your-vegetables/nutritional-assets-of-vegetables/dandelion-161.html#axzz3PXUjSNaK|publisher=Fondation Louis Bonduelle}}</ref>
==History==
Dandelions are thought to have evolved about 30 million years ago in [[Eurasia]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gardening.wsu.edu/column/05-04-03.htm |title=Gardening in Western Washington: Dandelions |publisher=Gardening.wsu.edu |date=2003-05-04 |access-date=2012-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626161645/http://gardening.wsu.edu/column/05-04-03.htm |archive-date=26 June 2012}}</ref> [[Fossil]] seeds of ''Taraxacum tanaiticum'' have been recorded from the [[Pliocene]] of southern [[Belarus]].<ref>The [[Pliocene]] flora of Kholmech, southeastern [[Belarus]] and its correlation with other [[Pliocene]] floras of [[Europe]] by Felix Yu. VELICHKEVICH and Ewa ZASTAWNIAK - Acta Palaeobot. 43(2): 137–259, 2003</ref> Dandelions have been used by humans for food and as a [[herb]] for much of recorded history. They were well known to ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, and are recorded to have been used in [[traditional Chinese medicine]] for over a thousand years. The plant was used as food and medicine by [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]]s.<ref name="Edible and useful plants of California">{{Cite book | author=Clarke, Charlotte Bringle | title=Edible and useful plants of California | year=1977 | publisher=University of California Press | ___location=Berkeley | isbn=978-0-520-03261-3 | page=191}}</ref> Dandelions were probably brought to North America on the ''[[Mayflower]]'' for their supposed medicinal benefits.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mofga.org/Default.aspx?tabid=756|title=Dandelions|publisher=Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association|access-date=2017-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220014238/http://www.mofga.org/Default.aspx?tabid=756|archive-date=2017-02-20}}</ref> Purposeful cultivation of dandelions seems to have begun in the United States in the early mid-19th century.<ref name="Sturtevant 1886 5–9">{{Cite journal |last=Sturtevant |first=E. Lewis |date=1886 |title=A Study of the Dandelion |journal=The American Naturalist |volume=20 |issue=1 |pages=5–9 |doi=10.1086/274134 |jstor=2450721 |bibcode=1886ANat...20....5S |issn=0003-0147}}</ref>
== Ecology ==
===Food for wildlife===
[[File:Dandelion salad (51169197162).jpg|thumb|alt=A squirrel holds a leaf to its mouth|[[Red squirrel]] eating a [[common dandelion]]]]
Dandelions do not depend on wildlife for distribution or pollination; however much of wildlife benefits from the abundance of the plant. Rabbits, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, eastern chipmunks, bobwhite quail, and many species of bird will consume the seeds and foliage. Additionally, many insects will collect nectar from the flower, especially in early spring when there are very few other flowers in bloom.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Out My Backdoor: In Defense of Dandelions {{!}} Department Of Natural Resources Division |url=https://georgiawildlife.com/out-my-backdoor-defense-dandelions#~.text-Dandelions%20also%20show%20up%20in,before%20devouring%20the%20seeds%20themselves |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=georgiawildlife.com}}</ref>
====Seeds====
''Taraxacum'' seeds are an important food source for certain birds (linnets, [[Linaria (bird)|''Linaria'' spp.]]).<ref>{{cite journal |author1=D. L. Buckingham |author2=W. J. Peach |year=2005 |title=The influence of livestock management on habitat quality for farmland birds |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/231889475 |journal=Animal Science |volume=81 |issue=2 |pages=199–203 |doi=10.1079/ASC50700199}}</ref>
==
{{main|Nectar}}
Szabo studied nectar secretion in a dandelion patch over two years ({{convert|59.2 and 8.9|/m2||adj=pre|flowers }} in 1981 and 1982). He measured average nectar volume at 7.4 [[μl]]/flower in 1981 and 3.7 μl/flower in 1982. The flowers tended to open in the morning and close in the afternoon with the concentrations significantly higher on the second day.<ref name="Wade02">{{cite journal |last1=Stewart-Wade |first1=S. M. |last2=Neumann |first2=S. |last3=Collins |first3=L. L. |last4=Boland |first4=G. J. |date=2002-10-01 |title=The biology of Canadian weeds. 117. ''Taraxacum officinale'' G. H. Weber ex Wiggers |journal=[[Canadian Journal of Plant Science]] |publisher=[[Canadian Science Publishing]] |volume=82 |issue=4 |pages=825–853 |doi=10.4141/p01-010 |issn=0008-4220 |s2cid=85676502}}</ref>
====Leaves====
Insects eat the leaves of dandelions, especially species of [[Lepidoptera]], which includes [[butterfly|butterflies]] and [[moth]]s. A study in [[Kargil]], India, found that the most frequent insect visitors to dandelions were butterflies followed by species of [[hymenoptera]] and [[diptera]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ali |first1=Ahsan |last2=Kumar |first2=Neelima |last3=Bharti |first3=Umesh |last4=Sabir |first4=Hussain |date=2024-08-08 |title=Report on Insect Visitors on Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Flower in Cold Desert at Kargil, Ladakh, India |url=https://www.entomologyjournals.com/assets/archives/2024/vol9issue8/9195.pdf |journal=International Journal of Entomology Research |volume=9 |issue=8 |pages=55–59}}</ref>
===As invasive species===
Dandelions can cause significant economic damage as an [[invasive species]] and infestation of other crops worldwide;<ref name="Wade02" /> in some jurisdictions, the species ''T. officinale'' is listed as a [[noxious weed]].<ref name="Wade02" /><ref name="Richardson-1985">{{Cite journal|last=Richardson|first=J.|date=1985 |title=In praise of the archenemy |url=http://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=US19860037837|journal=Audubon|pages=37–39|issn=0097-7136}}</ref> It can also be considered invasive in protected areas such as [[national park]]s. For example, [[Denali National Park and Preserve]] in Alaska lists ''Taraxacum officinale'' as the most common invasive species in the park <ref name="National Park Service">[https://www.nps.gov/dena/learn/nature/nonnativespecies.htm Non native species] [[National Park Service]]</ref> and hosts an annual "Dandelion Demolition" event where volunteers are trained to remove the plant from the park's roadsides.<ref name="Love-2021">Love, Colleen Coulon [https://ktna.org/2021/06/denalis-dandelion-demolition-returns-after-2020-hiatus/#:~:text=There%20are%20two%20species%20of,and%20choke%20out%20native%20plants. Denali's Dandelion Demolition returns after 2020 hiatus] [[KTNA]], June 17, 2021</ref>
==Cultivation==
===In food===
[[File:Dandelion greens at market.jpg|thumb|Bunches of dandelion [[leaf vegetable|greens]] at a farmer's market]]
The entire plant, including the leaves, stems, flowers, and roots, is edible and rich in nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamins A and K.<ref name="Osborne">{{cite web | url = https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2016-05-12/edible-weeds-and-how-you-can-use-them/7406004 | title = Edible weeds that are safe to eat and how you can use them | publisher = [[ABC News (Australia)]] | date = 2016-05-11 | access-date = 2021-05-24 | last = Osborne | first = Tegan}}</ref> Dandelions grow wild on every continent except Antarctica. Most commercial varieties are native to [[Eurasia]]. It is a [[perennial plant]] with a [[taproot]], so the greens can be repeatedly harvested if the root remains in the ground.<ref name="McGee" /> Raw dandelion greens contain high amounts of vitamins [[Vitamin A|A]], [[Vitamin C|C]], and [[Vitamin K|K]], and are moderate sources of [[calcium]], [[potassium]], [[iron]], and [[manganese]].<ref name="nd">{{cite web | url = http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2441/2 | title = Dandelion greens, raw | publisher = Nutritiondata.com, Conde Nast Inc. | access-date = 2011-03-07}}</ref> Raw dandelion greens are 86% water, 9% [[carbohydrate]]s, 3% [[protein (nutrient)|protein]], and 1% [[fat]].<ref name="nd" /> A 100 gram ({{frac|3|1|2}}oz) reference amount supplies 45 [[Calorie]]s.<ref name="nd" />
[[File:Dandelion greens and roasted pork.jpg|thumb|alt=Dressed and slightly wilted greens served on top of sliced pork garnished with peaches|Dandelion greens with roasted pork and peaches]]
Dandelions contain bitter but water-soluble [[sesquiterpene]]s. The bitterness increases later in the season, after the flowers bloom, and as the leaves mature. To make dandelion greens more palatable, they can be [[blanching (cooking)|blanched]], picked young, served with other strong flavours, or some combination. In the [[Southern United States]], they are traditionally served with a hot bacon dressing (similar to [[spinach salad]]).<ref name="McGee">{{cite book |author=McGee, Harold |title=On Food and Cooking: the science and lore of the kitchen |publisher=Scribner |___location=New York |year=2004 |page=320|isbn=978-0-684-80001-1 |chapter=A survey of common vegetables |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bKVCtH4AjwgC&pg=PA320|title-link=On Food and Cooking}}</ref><ref name="Kallas-2015">{{cite web |last1=Kallas |first1=John |title=Making dandelions palatable |url=https://www.backwoodshome.com/making-dandelions-palatable/ |website=Backwoods Home Magazine |date=22 December 2015}}</ref> In Italy, the leaves are [[Sautéing|sauteed]], added to soups, or added raw to salads.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.italianfoodforever.com/2008/05/sauted-dandelion-greens/ |title=Sautéed Dandelion Greens |work=Italian Food Forever |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208001954/https://italianfoodforever.com/2008/05/sauted-dandelion-greens/ |date=May 29, 2008 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |last=Mele |first=Deborah}}</ref> Dandelion greens have been a part of traditional [[Kashmiri cuisine]], [[Lebanese cuisine]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bergo |first1=Alan |title=Lebanese Dandelions with Carmalized Onions |url=https://foragerchef.com/lebanese-dandelions-with-caramelized-onions-hindbeh/ |website=Forager Chef |date=27 March 2021 |access-date=16 March 2024}}</ref> [[Spanish cuisine]], [[Italian cuisine]], [[Albanian cuisine]], [[Slovenian cuisine#Foods and dishes|Slovenian]], [[Cuisine of the Sephardic Jews|Sephardic Jewish]], [[Chinese cuisine|Chinese]], [[Greek cuisine]] ({{lang|el|χόρτα}}) and [[Korean cuisine]]s. In [[Crete]], the leaves of a variety called 'Mari' ({{lang|el|Μαρί}}), 'Mariaki' ({{lang|el|Μαριάκι}}), or 'Koproradiko' ({{lang|el|Κοπροράδικο}}) are eaten by locals, either raw or boiled, in salads. ''T. megalorhizon'', a species endemic to Crete, is eaten in the same way; it is found only at high altitudes ({{convert|1000–1600|m|ft}}) and in fallow sites, and is called {{transliteration|el|pentaramia}} ({{lang|el|πενταράμια}}) or {{transliteration|el|agrioradiko}} ({{lang|el|αγριοράδικο}}).<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.nhbs.com/title/149886/wild-edible-plants-of-crete|title=Wild edible plants of Crete - Η Άγρια βρώσιμη χλωρίδα της Κρήτης|publisher=Rethymnon Crete|year=2006|isbn=978-960-631-179-6|author1=Kleonikos G. Stavridakis|author2=Κλεόνικος Γ. Σταυριδάκης}}</ref>
The flower [[petal]]s, along with other ingredients, usually including [[citrus]], are used to make [[dandelion wine (wine)|dandelion wine]]. Its ground, roasted roots can be used as [[Dandelion coffee|a caffeine-free coffee alternative]].<ref name="NJOL">{{cite web | url = http://www.nj.com/entertainment/dining/index.ssf/2008/04/dandelion_as_underrated_as_und.html | title = Dandelion as underrated as underfoot | publisher = [[New Jersey On-Line]] | date = 2008-04-15 | access-date = 2011-03-07 | last = Castronovo Fusco | first = MA}}</ref> Dandelion was also commonly used to make the traditional British soft drink [[dandelion and burdock]], and is one of the ingredients of [[root beer#Ingredients|root beer]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/sep/28/how-make-dandelion-burdock-beer|title=How to make dandelion and burdock beer|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=13 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Warchol |first1=Kit |title=How Did Root Beer Become Such a Big Deal in Utah? |url=https://www.foodandwine.com/root-beer-8648290 |work=Food & Wine |date=May 15, 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
===Dye===
The yellow flowers can be dried and ground into a yellow-pigmented [[powder]] and used as a [[dye]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Dyes from natural sources|last=Dyer, Anne.|date=1981|publisher=Bell & Hyman|isbn=0-7135-1937-1|oclc=219915765}}</ref>
===Allergies===
Dandelions may cause [[allergy|allergic reactions]] for sensitive individuals when consumed or coming into contact with skin, but the risk is mild.<ref name="Dobrowolska2022">{{cite journal | last1=Kania-Dobrowolska | first1=Małgorzata | last2=Baraniak | first2=Justyna | title=Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.) as a Source of Biologically Active Compounds Supporting the Therapy of Co-Existing Diseases in Metabolic Syndrome | journal=Foods | volume=11 | issue=18 | date=2022-09-15 | issn=2304-8158 | pmid=36140985 | pmc=9498421 | doi=10.3390/foods11182858 | doi-access=free | page=2858}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last1=Faria | first1=TC | last2=Nascimento | first2=C. C. H. C. | last3=Vasconcelos | first3=S. D. D. De | last4=Stephens | first4=P. R. S. | title=Literature Review on the Biological Effects of Taraxacum Officinale Plant In Therapy | journal=Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development | publisher=Society of Pharmaceutical Tecnocrats | volume=7 | issue=3 | date=2019-06-14 | issn=2320-4850 | doi=10.22270/ajprd.v7i3.502 | pages=94–99| doi-access=free }}</ref> Latex containing [[sesquiterpene lactone]]s are present in high concentrations in the main root and stems of the common dandelion.<ref name="Dobrowolska2022" /><ref>{{cite journal | last1=Gracz-Bernaciak | first1=Joanna | last2=Mazur | first2=Oliwia | last3=Nawrot | first3=Robert | title=Functional Studies of Plant Latex as a Rich Source of Bioactive Compounds: Focus on Proteins and Alkaloids | journal=International Journal of Molecular Sciences | volume=22 | issue=22 | date=2021-11-17 | issn=1422-0067 | doi=10.3390/ijms222212427 | doi-access=free | article-number=12427| pmid=34830309 | pmc=8620047 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last1=Huber | first1=Meret | last2=Triebwasser-Freese | first2=Daniella | last3=Reichelt | first3=Michael | last4=Heiling | first4=Sven | last5=Paetz | first5=Christian | last6=Chandran | first6=Jima N. | last7=Bartram | first7=Stefan | last8=Schneider | first8=Bernd | last9=Gershenzon | first9=Jonathan | last10=Erb | first10=Matthias | title=Identification, quantification, spatiotemporal distribution and genetic variation of major latex secondary metabolites in the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale agg.) | journal=Phytochemistry | volume=115 | date=2015 | doi=10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.01.003 | pages=89–98| pmid=25682510 | bibcode=2015PChem.115...89H }}</ref> However, only a few researchers have mentioned the possible risk of mild allergic [[contact dermatitis]] for people with [[lactone|lactone hypersensitivity]].<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Bekhaled | first1=Imene | last2=Benalia | first2=Abdelkrim | last3=Mehida | first3=Hayet | last4=Meziani | first4=Samira | last5=Tarfaoui | first5=Luiza | last6=Djjebar | first6=Ahmed Abdelhamid | last7=Mai | first7=Abdesslam Hicham | last8=Bensaid | first8=Illias | last9=Demmouche | first9=Abassia | title=Evaluation of the Acute Toxicity of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Roots | journal=Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics | volume=10 | issue=3 | date=2020-05-15 | issn=2250-1177 | doi=10.22270/jddt.v10i3.4093 | pages=159–163| doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last1=Lovell | first1=C. R. | last2=Rowan | first2=M. | title=Dandelion dermatitis | journal=Contact Dermatitis | publisher=Wiley | volume=25 | issue=3 | year=1991 |pmid=1838315 | doi=10.1111/j.1600-0536.1991.tb01826.x | pages=185–188}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last=Paulsen | first=Evy | title=Systemic allergic dermatitis caused by sesquiterpene lactones | journal=Contact Dermatitis | volume=76 | issue=1 | date=2017 |pmid=27568784 | doi=10.1111/cod.12671 | pages=1–10}}</ref>
===Herbalism===
Dandelion has been used in [[traditional medicine]] in Europe, North America, and China.<ref name="Schutz">{{cite journal |author1=Katrin Schütz, Reinhold Carle |author2=Andreas Schieber |year=2006 |title=''Taraxacum''—a review on its phytochemical and pharmacological profile |journal=[[Journal of Ethnopharmacology]] |volume=107 |issue=3 |pages=313–323 |doi=10.1016/j.jep.2006.07.021 |pmid=16950583}}</ref>
===Benefits to gardeners{{anchor|Invasive species|Benefits to gardeners|Beneficial weed}}===
{{main|Beneficial weed}}
With a wide range of uses, the dandelion is cultivated in small gardens to massive farms. It is kept as a [[companion plant]]; its [[taproot]] brings up nutrients for shallow-rooting plants. It is also known to attract [[pollination#Biotic|pollinating]] [[insects]] and release [[ethylene]] gas, which helps fruit to ripen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.countryfarm-lifestyles.com/companion-planting.html|title=Companion Planting for Vegetables & Plants|last=Anon|work=Country living and farm lifestyles|publisher=countryfarm-lifestyles.com|access-date=2011-03-07}}</ref>
===Cultural importance===
It has been a Western tradition for someone to blow out a dandelion seed head and think of a wish they want to come true.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9LD3iHpi5ZMC&q=blowing+a+dandelion+out+tradition+luck&pg=PP23 |title=Wish: wishing traditions around the world |isbn=978-0-8118-5716-1 |via=Google Books|last1=Thong |first1=Roseanne |date=September 2008 |publisher=Chronicle Books }}</ref>
Five dandelion flowers are the emblem of [[White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wssmainstreet.org/ |title=Welcome to Main Street White Sulphur Springs...Make it home |publisher=Wssmainstreet.org |access-date=2010-07-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604002704/http://www.wssmainstreet.org/ |archive-date=4 June 2010 |url-status=usurped}}</ref> The citizens celebrate spring with an annual Dandelion Festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wvnstv.com/news/local-news/white-sulphur-springs-hosts-west-virginia-dandelion-festival/|title=White Sulphur Springs hosts West Virginia Dandelion Festival |publisher=Nexstar Media Inc. |date=2023-05-27 |access-date=2024-04-16}}</ref>
The dandelion is the official flower of the [[University of Rochester]] in [[New York State]], and "Dandelion Yellow" is one of the school's official colours. "The Dandelion Yellow" is an official University of Rochester song.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lib.rochester.edu/index.cfm?PAGE=1816#dand |title=Songs of the University of Rochester |publisher=Lib.rochester.edu |date=2010-01-14 |access-date=2010-07-03}}</ref>
=== Inspiration for engineering ===
Because dandelion seeds can travel great distances on the wind, they have been studied as a basis for passive flight technologies.<ref name=Kachur-2018>{{cite web |last1=Kachur |first1=Torah |title=Dandelion seeds can fly up to 100 km, and now we know how |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/dandelion-seeds-can-fly-100-km-and-now-we-know-how-1.4868619 |website=CBC |date=18 October 2018}}</ref> A 2003 study found that the wind blew over 99% of dandelion seeds just several meters from the plants, but 0.014% travelled over a kilometre away.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Tackenberg |first1=O. |last2=Poschlod |first2=P. |last3=Kahmen |first3=S. |title=Dandelion Seed Dispersal: The Horizontal Wind Speed Does Not Matter for Long-Distance Dispersal - it is Updraft! |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1055/s-2003-44789 |journal=Plant Biology |pages=451–454 |language=en |doi=10.1055/s-2003-44789 |date=2003|volume=5 |issue=5 |bibcode=2003PlBio...5..451T |url-access=subscription }}</ref> The seeds can travel up to {{Convert|100|km}}, the farthest known passive flight among plants. Scientists at the University of Edinburgh created prototype drones based on dandelion pappus in the 2010s.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hestericová |first1=Martina Ribar |title=Dandelion's secret of long-distance dispersal revealed by new calculations |url=https://physicsworld.com/a/dandelions-secret-of-long-distance-dispersal-revealed-by-new-calculations/ |website=Physics World |date=29 July 2019}}</ref><ref name=Kachur-2018/> In 2018, researchers discovered how dandelion seeds create a separated vortex ring, a type of airflow. The geometry of their pappus affects fluid behaviours around the seed in a way that the researchers could duplicate in microfabricated silicone discs.<ref name=Cummins18/> In 2022, researchers at the [[University of Washington]] demonstrated battery-free wireless sensors and computers that mimic dandelion seeds and can float in the wind and disperse across a large area.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Iyer |first1=Vikram |last2=Gaensbauer |first2=Hans |last3=Daniel |first3=Thomas L. |last4=Gollakota |first4=Shyamnath |date=2022-03-17 |title=Wind dispersal of battery-free wireless devices |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-04363-9 |journal=Nature |volume=603 |issue=7901 |pages=427–433 |doi=10.1038/s41586-021-04363-9|pmid=35296847 |bibcode=2022Natur.603..427I |s2cid=247499662 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> In 2025, researchers at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology developed dandelion-based drones that can power themselves from solar energy and vibrations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nature Inspires New Drone Technologies {{!}} AFCEA International |url=https://www.afcea.org/signal-media/technology/nature-inspires-new-drone-technologies |website=www.afcea.org |language=en |date=1 April 2025}}</ref>
===As a source of natural rubber===
{{see also|Taraxacum kok-saghyz#Rubber}}
Dandelions secrete [[latex]] when the tissues are cut or broken, yet in the wild type, the latex content is low and varies greatly. ''[[Taraxacum kok-saghyz]]'', the Russian dandelion, is a species that produced industrially useful amounts during WW2. Using modern cultivation methods and optimisation techniques, scientists in the [[Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology]] (IME) in Germany developed a [[cultivar]] of the Russian dandelion that is suitable for current commercial production of natural rubber. The latex produced exhibits the same quality as the [[natural rubber]] from [[rubber trees]].<ref name=sciencedaily>{{cite web|title=Making Rubber from Dandelion Juice|url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131028114547.htm|work=[[Science Daily]]|date=28 October 2013|access-date=22 November 2013}}</ref> In collaboration with [[Continental AG]], IME is building a pilot facility. {{As of|2014|5}}, the first prototype test tyres made with blends from dandelion-rubber are scheduled for testing on public roads over the next few years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fraunhofer and Continental come together when the dandelion rubber meets the road|url=http://www.fraunhofer.de/en/press/research-news/2013/oktober/fraunhofer-and-continental-come-together-when-the-dandelion-rubber-meets-the-road.html|date=14 October 2013|access-date=14 December 2016}}</ref> In December 2017, Linglong Group Co. Ltd., a Chinese company, invested $450 million into making commercially viable rubber from dandelions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rubbernews.com/article/20171220/NEWS/171229996/linglong-to-fund-research-into-dandelion-rubber|title=Linglong to fund research into dandelion rubber {{!}} Rubber and Plastics News|date=20 December 2017}}</ref>
==References==
{{notelist}}
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
{{Commons category|Taraxacum|''Taraxacum''}}
{{Cookbook|Dandelion}}
* {{Cite news |last1=Frail |first1=F. S. |title=Unloved in bloom, unwelcomed in summer: Weeding through the lore of the dandelion |url=https://archive.org/details/sim_boston-phoenix_1981-06-23_10_25/page/n240/mode/1up |access-date=3 April 2024 |work=The Boston Phoenix |date=23 June 1981}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q30024}}
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[[Category:Taraxacum| ]]
[[Category:Asteraceae genera]]
[[Category:Extant Miocene first appearances]]
[[Category:Herbs]]
[[Category:Leaf vegetables]]
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[[Category:Plants used in traditional Native American medicine]]
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