As a nearly cosmopolitan weed, common dandelion is best known for its yellow flower heads that turn into round balls of silver tufted fruits that blow away on the wind.

Structure: Leafless stems of varying lengths grow from center of prostrate rosette and support yellow flower

Life Cycle: Perennial, one of the first plants to bloom in spring; seedlings can appear throughout growing season

What To Look For: Bright yellow blossoms followed by “puffball” seed carriers

Growth Period: All summer long