Common Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Common Dandelion as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Native alternatives to Common Dandelion
Common Dandelion is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaCommon 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
Common Dandelion 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 Common Dandelion need?
- Common Dandelion grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Common Dandelion bloom?
- Common Dandelion blooms in April, May, and June.
- Is Common Dandelion toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Common Dandelion as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Common Dandelion attract?
- Common Dandelion draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is Common Dandelion HOA-friendly?
- Common Dandelion takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Common Dandelion? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.