Rock Dandelion
Taraxacum erythrospermum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Rock Dandelion (Taraxacum erythrospermum) 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.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–12" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Rock Dandelion
Rock 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaRock dandelion is a low-growing perennial wildflower that produces bright yellow blooms from April through June. This compact native plant forms small rosettes and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal care.
In an HOA neighborhood
Rock 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.
- Strongly resembles common lawn dandelions
- May be perceived as a weed by neighbors
- Can spread and naturalize beyond intended areas
Wildlife value
The flowers provide nectar for bees and beetles during spring and early summer. Seeds offer food for birds later in the season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Rock Dandelion need?
- Rock Dandelion grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Rock Dandelion bloom?
- Rock Dandelion blooms in April, May, and June.
- What pollinators does Rock Dandelion attract?
- Rock Dandelion draws bees and beetles.
- Is Rock Dandelion HOA-friendly?
- Rock 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 Rock Dandelion? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz