There are no true stems, rather the leaves are clustered in a rosette at the base of the plant. Each ray flower has a strap-shaped yellow petal with five notches at the tip. Dandelion flowers are not normally pollinated but develop asexually. Flowering occurs nearly year round in the temperate climatic regions of California. Seed germination occurs at or very near the soil surface.
Light increases germination.
Germination occurs throughout the growing season. Seedling growth is slower in cold weather. Flowering begins soon after the seedling stage and continues throughout the life of the plant. Dandelion plants can survive for many years, developing massive, thickened crowns 6 to 10 inches across. These perennial plants are well adapted to irrigated areas such as in turfgrass, pastures, or alfalfa where frequent mowing or grazing is practiced.