This article was written by Makala
Why does a
dandelion
(flower) turn
into a puffball?
Plants that produce seeds use many ways to
spread them around. Some have tasty berries so that birds (for example) will eat the fruit,
and “poop out” the seeds with a little fertilizer. Others (such as burdock) have little hooks so
the seeds can hitch onto the fur of animals (or your socks!). Still others, like dandelions and
cottonwoods, use the wind.
The dandelion is a member of the Aster family of plants. Each flower head is made up of many
tiny flowers. Look closely at a “puff ball”. You will notice that each flower head has produced
a little ‘parachute’ with a seed (which is called an achene) attached to it. A puff of wind will
carry the seeds far and wide – a wonderful system.
Seeds of dandelions are eaten by many birds like the American Goldfinch and Pine Siskin.
Butterflies, bees and other insects visit dandelion flowers for the sweet nectar.
Did you know that the name Dandelion comes from
the French ‘Dents de lion’ meaning ‘teeth of the
lion’ (which refers to the plant’s toothed leaves.)
Next time you find a dandelion “puff ball” - blow
on it and watch the little parachutes float away
on the wind, each carrying a seed to land
somewhere and grow into a new dandelion.
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