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Taraxacum californicum

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Taraxacum californicum
Scientific classification
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T. californicum
Binomial name
Taraxacum californicum

Taraxacum californicum, also known as the California dandelion,[1] is an endangered species of dandelion endemic to the San Bernardino Mountains of California. It grows in mountain meadows.[2]

Taraxacum californicum is a small perennial wildflower which resembles its close relative, the widespread weed known as the common dandelion (T. officinale). T. californicum has green, red-veined, lobed, or toothed leaves and yellow flower heads yielding brown and white fruits.

There are fewer than twenty occurrences known of the plant, and several occurrences include just a few individuals.[3] The plant can hybridize with common dandelion, causing genetic pollution.[3]

References

  1. ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "​Taraxacum californicum​". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 8 December 2015.
  2. ^ California Native Plant Society Rare Plant Profile
  3. ^ a b The Nature Conservancy