Carolina False Dandelion

Appearance

It often has several erect stems, 6–20 inches long, which exude a milky substance when broken. Large, deeply lobed leaves, 2–6 inches long, grow from the base of the plant on petioles half as long as the leaves themselves. The few upper leaves are alternate, much smaller, with little indentation. The flower heads are 1–1 1/2 inches across, 1 flower head to a stem. Both ray and disc flowers are yellow. The seeds have a long stalk and a parachute of hairs at top, forming a “puff ball.” Reproduction is by wind-dispersed seeds.

Naming

Carolina desert-chicory, Texas dandelion, Carolina false dandelion

Distribution

Carolina False Dandelion thrives throughout much of the southern and mid-western United States.

Habitat

Pyrrhopappus carolinianus is commonly found in woodlands, thickets, pastures, waste areas, thin areas of lawns, and along roadsides and railroads.