Blowball
Taraxacum officinale
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
VT
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Common dandelion is a low-growing perennial with deeply toothed leaves and bright yellow flowers that bloom from April through June. The flowers develop into distinctive white seed heads that disperse in the wind. This hardy plant thrives in full sun with moderate water needs.
In an HOA neighborhood
Blowball takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Widely considered a weed in conventional landscaping
- Spreads aggressively and can quickly colonize lawn areas
- Fluffy seed heads create messy appearance
Wildlife value
Dandelions are valuable early-season nectar sources for bees, beetles, and flies when few other flowers are available. The seeds also provide food for birds like goldfinches.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Blowball fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.