Taraxacum californicum
Appearance
Taraxacum californicum | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Asterales |
Family: | Asteraceae |
Genus: | Taraxacum |
Species: | T. californicum
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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
[edit]- ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Taraxacum californicum". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 8 December 2015.
- ^ California Native Plant Society Rare Plant Profile
- ^ a b The Nature Conservancy
External links
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