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Pyrrhopappus carolinianus
Pyrrhopappus carolinianus (Walter) DC.
Carolina Desert-chicory, Texas Dandelion, False Dandelion
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Synonym(s): Pyrrhopappus carolinianus var. georgianus, Pyrrhopappus georgianus, Sitilias caroliniana
USDA Symbol: PYCA2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
The Texas dandelion is common throughout the eastern half of the state. It grows in pastures and along roadsides, but seems to do best on lawns. It often has several erect stems, 6-20+ inches long, which exude a milky substance when broken. Large, deeply lobed leaves, 2-6 inches long, grow from the base of the plant on petioles half as long as the leaves themselves. The few upper leaves are alternate, much smaller, with little indentation. The flower heads are 1-1 1/2 inches across, 1 flower head to a stem. Both ray and disc flowers are yellow.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: AnnualHabit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall, often shorter.
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MD , MO , MS , NC , NE , OK , SC , TN , TX , VA , WVFrom the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Stengl Biological Research Station - Smithville, TX
Texas Master Naturalists - Lost Pines Chapter - Bastrop, TX
Bibliography
Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. LoughmillerSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Additional resources
USDA: Find Pyrrhopappus carolinianus in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Pyrrhopappus carolinianus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Pyrrhopappus carolinianus
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-01-13Research By: TWC Staff