|
Taraxacum ceratophorum. (Alpine Dandelion) Asteraceae (Sunflower Family) Alpine.
Tundra. Summer. Taraxacum ceratophorum typically grows 4-7 inches tall on alpine tundra. The plant is found throughout the Rockies, in most western states, and across all of Canada. In some of these habitats it may reach 20 inches tall. The Flora of North America indicates that this species "is the most widespread native dandelion in North America, ranging from the low Arctic and boreal zone to the western Cordilleras, in the montane and alpine zones". Greek gives us both "cerat" and "phoros" for "horn" and "bearing", alluding to the often swollen phyllary tips. |
|
|
Taraxacum ceratophorum. (Alpine Dandelion) Alpine.
Tundra. Summer. The flower stem on this species is cobwebby hairy when young but may be glabrous with age. Notice also the somewhat cupped, swollen tips on the red-tinged phyllaries in both the very young, small plant in the top photograph at left and in the more mature plant in the photograph below it. The best way to see these horns is to look at the phyllary tips on the far right and far left of each flower head. The inner phyllaries of the more mature plant have been reflexed by the enlarging ray flowers. |
|
|
Taraxacum ( Identity uncertain.) Alpine.
Tundra. Summer. The flower stem on this species is not hairy. Phyllaries are broader and the outer row of phyllaries (bracts) are much shorter. Notice also the deeply incised leaves. |
Range map © John Kartesz,
County Color Key
|
Range map for Taraxacum eriophorum
Range map for Taraxacum ovinum (Taraxacum ceratophorum) |
Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state
Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Eradicated
Questionable presence
