Agoseris glauca

Agoseris glauca Common Names false dandelion, short-beaked agroseris, pale agoseri Family Composites, Sunflower Flower Color Yellow Plant Type Herb Native Yes Weed No

Agoseris glayca

Agoseris glayca is commonly called Short-beaked Agroseris or False dandelion because of its striking resemblance to the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) that we all have growing in our yards. The common dandelion is the most widely dispersed herb, being found on every continent and provenance in the world. Although they are both of the aster family (Asteraceae) the false dandelion is significantly larger in size; its stems reach 20-40 cm tall, and the rosette leaves are 30 cm in length with a smooth blade edge, while a common dandelion leaf edge is quite incised (cut deeply, usually irregularly). Both common and false dandelion spread their seeds in the same way, being wind blown from a white head of columners attached to tiny indehiscent fruit.

False dandelion grows in early successional habitats, where their has been a fire or intensive logging. To locate the specific plant, they are usually concentrated in topographic depressions or otherwise called frost pockets.

(D.L.C. 12-17-04)