Taraxacum officinale aka Blowball

Taxonomy

Taraxacum officinale, commonly known as the dandelion or common dandelion, is an evergreen herbaceous perennial plant. It features upright purple stems and dark green basal foliage that can grow upright or horizontally from its main taproot. The plant is renowned for its yellow flower heads, which later transform into round balls consisting of numerous silver-tufted fruits. These seed heads, often referred to as "dandelion clocks," disperse in the wind. While the common dandelion is often considered a weed, it has various uses in herbal medicine and as food. Additionally, its flowers attract pollinators.

Common names

Blowball, Common Dandelion, Dandelion, Faceclock

How to care for Blowball

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Blowball is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Blowball should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Blowball requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Faceclock is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Blowball plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Region of origin

Blowball’s native range is Throughout most of the northern hemisphere, including Britain.


More info:
Wikipedia