Dandelions : Taraxacum

Plant :  The Dandelion is hated by gardeners but should be loved by beekeepers.  It can be a valuable source of pollen for bees, when other forage is limited.  The plant consists of a rosette of leaves at the base.  A single stem emerges from this base, which produces a solitary head.  The yellow flowering head develops into a sphere of white hairs which enable the seed to spread by the wind.  It  belongs to the Asteraceae family.  Its habitat includes road side verges, pasture and gardens.

Flower : It flowers from March to October.  Individual flower heads are up to 4 cm across.  The composite head is made up of numerous small florets.

Pollen : Click here to see more about Taraxacum pollen.

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