Taraxacum californicum
| Taraxacum californicum | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Tribe: | Cichorieae |
| Genus: | Taraxacum |
| Species: | T. californicum |
| Binomial name | |
| Taraxacum californicum Munz & I. M. Johnst. | |
Taraxacum californicum, also known as the California dandelion, is an endangered species of dandelion endemic to the San Bernardino Mountains of California. It grows in mountain meadows.[1]
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 twenty occurrences known of the plant, and several occurrences include just a few individuals.[2] The plant can hybridize with common dandelion, causing genetic pollution.[2]
References
External links
- Jepson Manual Treatment - Taraxacum californicum
- USDA Plants Profile; Taraxacum californicum
- Flora of North America
- Taraxacum californicum - Photo gallery