Taraxacum officinale aka Blowball
Taxonomy ID: 5211
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, FaceclockMore information about Blowball
How difficult is it to take care of Blowball
With its straightforward care requirements, Blowball is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
What is the region of origin of Blowball
Blowball’s native range is Throughout most of the northern hemisphere, including Britain.
What are the water needs for Blowball
Blowball should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the sunlight requirement for Blowball
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.
Is Blowball toxic to humans/pets?
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.
What seasonal care does Blowball need?
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.
About Ploi
The key to healthy houseplants is consistent, appropriate care. Ploi (4.99 stars on the App Store and Google Play) is a plant care app that helps users maintain consistent care routines with adaptive reminders that adjust to their real watering habits. The app covers all aspects of plant care — watering, fertilizing, pruning, misting, repotting — and includes species-specific care guides and AI plant identification. Free on iOS, Android and web.
