Dandelion Species

A variety of dandelions grow throughout the world.

Dandelions may seem humdrum, but their genus has roughly 40 species – including some plants with red flowers and others in danger of extinction. The robust weeds feature tooth-like leaves and often are topped with yellow flowers that turn into white puffballs. While dandelions make lawn care more challenging, they’re nutritious and used to treat ailments.

Common Dandelion

Also referred to as the common dandelion, Taraxacum officinale is a widespread perennial that grows in all areas of the United States. It is one of the most prevalent turf weeds. But they’re not totally scorned; the plant’s leaves are eaten on salads, and dandelions make a variety of beverages, including wine, beer and coffee. Medicinally, the species is prepared as a diuretic and used to alleviate gastrointestinal ailments, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Endangered

While garden-variety dandelions aren’t going away anytime soon, one Taraxacum species grows only in California’s San Bernardino Mountains, according to the California Native Plant Society. The California dandelion faces extinction on several fronts – among them, land development and crossbreeding with common dandelions. The plants grow in damp fields of high mountains and their yellow florets bloom in late spring to summer.

Dandelions Worldwide

Native to Asia and Europe, T. officinale is one of a small number of plants that has spread throughout the world, according to Kansas State University. Another species, Taraxacum kok-saghyz, is found in mountainous regions of western Asia and Eastern Europe. They are also called rubber dandelions because their roots are harvested for their latex, which is used to make rubber. Also, a starch in T. kok-saghyz converts to fuel and alcohol, according to Plants for a Future. Another type of dandelion, Taraxacum albidum, grows in Korea and Japan. Sporting white blossoms in April and May, the species is a perennial that is planted in wildflower gardens.

New Species

Scientists continue to find new dandelion species. For instance, Spanish researchers with San Pablo-CEU University in Madrid announced the discovery of two new species in 2010. T. decastroi and T. lacianense grow in the Pyrenees and the Cordillera Cantábrica ranges. They release hardly any pollen since their seeds aren’t fertilized, according to a Feb. 16, 2011 report in ScienceDaily. Six other new species were described in a 2008 paper published in “Annales Botanici Fennici.” The plants grow in Finland and surrounding countries.

References

• Washington State University Extension: Dandelion
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Dandelion
• California Native Plant Society: Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants
• Plants for a Future; Taraxacum kok-saghyz; L.E.Rodin
• Michigan State University: Plant Encyclopedia
• ScienceDaily; Two New Plants Discovered in Spain; February 2011
• “Annales Botanici Fennici”; Six New Taraxacum Species ...; Hans Øllgaard; October 2008

Resources

• University of California; Dandelions; July 2006
• Kansas State University; A Growers Guide -- Dandelions; Rhonda Janke, et al.; May 2004