How much sun does Blowball need?

Blowball grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Blowball bloom?

Blowball blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Blowball native?

Blowball (Taraxacum officinale) is native to VT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Blowball toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Blowball as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Blowball attract?

Blowball draws bees, beetles, and flies.

Is Blowball HOA-friendly?

Blowball takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Blowball

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Taraxacum officinale

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Blowball as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Blowball need?: Blowball grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Blowball bloom?: Blowball blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Blowball native?: Blowball (Taraxacum officinale) is native to VT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Blowball toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Blowball as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Blowball attract?: Blowball draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is Blowball HOA-friendly?: Blowball takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

Ready to grow Blowball? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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