Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Aster Family (Asteraceae)

Habitat:

This weedy perennial is found growing in fields and lawns.

Leaves:

Basal, lobed, narrow, 2 to 16 inches long.

Flowers:

Yellow and disk-like, about an inch and a half wide. Unpleasant smell.
A recipe for Dandelion Wine.

Fruit:

Tiny seeds with fluffy, white tassels that blow in the wind.

Helpful Tips:

Dandelions are native to Europe and Asia, but they are found growing in much of the temperate world. For more information, see Audubon Wildflower or Flora of Maine.