The common Dandelion is a plant we love but mostly hate. Its yellow flowers are a striking feature of Spring. However, would you be pulling out hair if this was the newly mown lawn.
The flower forms a pretty ball of seeds which are well adapted to be wind blown far and wide. This is part of the secret of its success. The plant also has a tap root which is difficult to kill as it reshoots when the leaves and shoot are removed.
A huge number of seeds can be produced on each flower head. They are arranged to form a tight ball.
Each seed has its own feathery parachute and is so light it can be easily carried in the air. The parachute is formed from the calyx which is the part that surrounds the original flower. The seed is among the natural worlds best fliers - see website below for more information: -
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