''Taraxacum erythrospermum'', known by the common name red-seeded dandelion, is a species of

dandelion ''Taraxacum'' () is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, which consists of species commonly known as dandelions. The scientific and hobby study of the genus is known as taraxacology. The genus is native to Eurasia and Nor ...

introduced to much of North America, but most commonly in the north. It is often considered as a

variety Variety may refer to: Arts and entertainment Entertainment formats * Variety (radio) * Variety show, in theater and television Films * ''Variety'' (1925 film), a German silent film directed by Ewald Andre Dupont * ''Variety'' (1935 film), ...

of ''

Taraxacum laevigatum ''Taraxacum laevigatum'', the rock dandelion or red-seeded dandelion, is a species of dandelion that grows in Europe, including Great Britain. Rarely, ''Taraxacum laevigatum'' can be found in the northern parts of North America Nort ...

'' (i.e., ''Taraxacum laevigatum'' var. ''erythrospermum'').Flora of North America
/ref> In many characteristics, it is similar to the common dandelion, ''

Taraxacum officinale ''Taraxacum officinale'', the dandelion or common dandelion, is a flowering Herbaceous plant, herbaceous perennial plant of the Dandelion, dandelion genus in the family Asteraceae (syn. Compositae). The common dandelion is well known for its yell ...

''.

Description

This species is very similar to, and often mistaken for, the common dandelion, ''

''. It most readily differs by its reddish-brown seed bases, unlike the more olive colored seeds of ''T. officinale''. The red-seeded dandelion can also be identified by its leaves, which have consistently triangular lobes throughout, whereas ''T. officinale'' tends to have erratic lobing with minimal or no triangular form. The leaves of ''T. erythrospermum'' thus bear a closer resemblance to the

basal leaves A leaf ( : leaves) is any of the principal appendages of a vascular plant stem, usually borne laterally aboveground and specialized for photosynthesis. Leaves are collectively called foliage, as in "autumn foliage", while the leaves, ste ...

of sow thistles ('' Sonchus oleraceus'').

References

erythrospermum Flora of North America {{Cichorieae-stub