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 | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Taraxacum |
| Species: | T. californicum
|
| Binomial name | |
| Taraxacum californicum | |
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 20 occurrences known of the plant, and several occurrences include just a few individuals.[3] The plant can hybridize with the common dandelion, causing genetic pollution.[3]
References
edit- ^ NRCS. "Taraxacum californicum". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 8 December 2015.
- ^ California Native Plant Society Rare Plant Profile
- ^ a b The Nature Conservancy
External links
edit
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