Taraxacum californicum

Taraxacum californicum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Taraxacum
Species:
T. californicum
Binomial name
Taraxacum californicum

Taraxacum californicum, also known as the California dandelion,[1] is an endangered species of dandelion endemic to the San Bernardino Mountains of California. It grows in mountain meadows.[2]

Taraxacum californicum is a small perennial wildflower which resembles its close relative, the widespread weed known as the common dandelion (T. officinale). T. californicum has green, red-veined, lobed or toothed leaves and yellow flower heads yielding brown and white fruits.

There are fewer than 20 occurrences known of the plant, and several occurrences include just a few individuals.[3] The plant can hybridize with the common dandelion, causing genetic pollution.[3]

References

  1. ^ NRCS. "Taraxacum californicum". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 8 December 2015.
  2. ^ California Native Plant Society Rare Plant Profile
  3. ^ a b The Nature Conservancy


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