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Tuber false dandelion

Pyrrhopappus grandiflorus (Nutt.) Nutt.

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Tuber false dandelion inflorescence
Tuber false dandelion inflorescence
Tuber false dandelion habit
Tuber false dandelion
Tuber false dandelion leaves
Tuber false dandelion
Tuber false dandelion head
Tuber false dandelion
Tuber false dandelion achenes

Morphology

Stem
Stemless.
Leaves
In basal rosette, simple, spatulate to oblanceolate in outline, 3 to 7 inches long, 1 to 1.5 inch wide, pinnately divided to deeply toothed, loosely hairy or nearly glabrous.
Inflorescence
Heads, solitary, terminal, on upright flowering stalks that are leafless or occasionally with 1 to few leaf-like bracts; heads 1 to 2 inches wide; bracts generally 13 or 21, linear, about 3/4 inch long.
Flower
Ray-like florets, 45-100, yellow, tips 5-toothed, anther tubes conspicuous, dark.
Fruit
Achenes, about 1/2 inch long, 5-ribbed, beaked, tipped with many, off-white to beige, hair-like bristles, enclosing small seed.

Ecology

Habitat
Open disturbed areas, pastures, and roadsides, most abundant in clay or sandy soils.
Distribution
Principally central 1/3 of Kansas.

Additional Notes

Comments

False dandelion produces a spherical tuber 2 to 4 inches below the surface of the ground.

Special Notes: The basal rosette of leaves resembles that of the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale ).
Quick Facts
Plant Type
Wildflower
Family
Asteraceae - Sunflower Family
Life Span
Perennial
Height
6-12 inches
Last Updated
2007-10-05
Color Groups
Yellow Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blooms: April, May, June