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Description
Taraxacum Leucanthum, also known as the Mountain Dandelion, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found in high altitude areas, such as montane meadows, sagebrush flats, and alpine slopes. It has a deep taproot that can reach up to 50 cm in length, and its leaves are basal, with a rosette arrangement.The plant’s flowers are bright yellow and grow on a single stem that can reach up to 60 cm in height. The flowers bloom from May to August and are followed by a fluffy white seed head that spreads its seeds through the wind.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Taraxacum |
Appearance
Taraxacum Leucanthum has a rosette of basal leaves that can reach up to 25 cm in length. The leaves are deeply lobed and have teeth that point backward. The stem of the plant is hollow and can reach up to 60 cm in height. The stem supports a single yellow flower head that can be up to 4 cm in diameter. The flower head consists of ray flowers that are bright yellow and disk flowers that are a darker yellow. The plant produces a fluffy white seed head that can be up to 5 cm in diameter.
Care Guide
Taraxacum Leucanthum is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: The plant prefers moist soil but can tolerate drought. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilizer but can benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied in the spring.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil but can tolerate a variety of soil types.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Taraxacum Leucanthum is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew, leaf spot, and crown rot. To prevent these issues, make sure to provide proper air circulation and avoid overwatering the plant.
Habitat
Taraxacum Leucanthum is native to North America and can be found in high altitude areas, such as montane meadows, sagebrush flats, and alpine slopes. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a variety of soil types. The plant can be found in USDA hardiness zones 3-7.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Taraxacum Leucanthum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s deep taproot.
Q: Does Taraxacum Leucanthum attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant’s flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: When should I prune Taraxacum Leucanthum?
A: The plant does not require pruning, but you can remove the flower stems after they have finished blooming to prevent the plant from self-seeding.
Q: Can Taraxacum Leucanthum be propagated by division?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by dividing the root ball in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
– Taraxacum officinale (Common Dandelion)- Taraxacum erythrospermum (Red-seeded Dandelion)- Taraxacum palustre (Marsh Dandelion)- Taraxacum pseudoroseum (Pink Dandelion)
References
– “Taraxacum Leucanthum.” Flora of North America.- “Taraxacum Leucanthum.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.- “Taraxacum Leucanthum.” USDA Plants Database.
