Family: Asteraceae
Author: (Lyons) Symons
Bibliography: Syn. Pl. Ins. Brit.: 172 (1798)
Year: 1798
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Taraxacum
Vegetable: False
Observations: NW. & W. Europe
Description
The Marsh dandelion, known scientifically as Taraxacum palustre, is an intriguing member of the Asteraceae family. This plant’s origins can be traced back to northwestern and western Europe, where it thrives in wet, marshy habitats, lending itself to its common name.
First documented in 1798 in the comprehensive botanical work Synopsis Plantarum Insulis Britannicis by Sir John Lyons, later attributed to the meticulous research of Garden Symons, the Marsh dandelion holds a notable place in botanical history. Its unique characteristics set it apart from more common dandelion species, which are often found in drier, more disturbed soils.
Identifiable by its distinctive rosette of deeply lobed, bright green leaves, the Marsh dandelion produces striking yellow flowers typical of the dandelion genus. These blooms appear from late spring through early summer, offering a splash of color to the marshes and wetlands they inhabit. The flowers eventually give way to spherical seed heads, which, like their relatives, disperse seeds through wind currents, aiding in the plant’s propagation across suitable habitats.
Ecologically, the Marsh dandelion plays a vital role. It is a source of nectar for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are crucial for the ecosystem’s health. Moreover, its presence in marshland environments helps stabilize soil and support the intricate web of life dependent on such specialized habitats.
While often overlooked in favor of its more widespread relatives, Taraxacum palustre merits attention not just for its botanical uniqueness, but also for its ecological contributions. Whether studied for academic purposes or enjoyed by the casual observer, the Marsh dandelion remains a fascinating and valuable plant species within Europe’s rich floral tapestry.
Common Names
Eng: fen dandelion, marsh dandelion
Fra: pissenlit des marais, pissenlit palustre
Deu: sumpf-löwenzahn
Ita: tarassaco delle paludi
Lav: purva pienene
Bul: блатно глухарче
En: Marsh dandelion, Fen Dandelion
Bg: Блатно глухарче
Fr: Pissenlit des marais, Pissenlit palustre
De: Sumpf-Löwenzahn, Sumpf-Pfaffenröhrlein
It: Tarassaco delle paludi
Lv: Purva pienene
Synonyms
- Taraxacum lanceolatum (Poir.)
- Taraxacum dens-leonis subsp. palustre ((Willd.) R.C.V.Douin)
- Taraxacum maritimum (Hagend., Soest & Zevenb.)
- Taraxacum palustre f. spurium (Beck)
- Leontodon taraxacum var. paludosus (Lej.)
- Taraxacum officinale f. commutatum ((Jord.) Merino)
- Taraxacum palustre var. latifolium (A.Gray)
- Taraxacum gremlii (Appel ex Naegeli & Wehrli)
- Taraxacum westhoffii (Hagend., Soest & Zevenb.)
- Taraxacum scorzonera (Rchb.)
- Leontodon taraxacum var. salinus ((Pollich) E.Mey.)
- Taraxacum officinale subsp. palustre ((Lyons) Hartm.)
- Taraxacum limnanthes subsp. limnanthoides (Soest)
Distribution
- Belgium (native)
- Denmark (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- Spain (native)
- Michigan (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Ontario (introduced)
- Québec (introduced)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Sans Attaches (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Ивайло Кадиев (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 1, 2021 by Beytullah AYDIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 21, 2022 by Lars Mannzen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 8, 2017 by Tara Conler (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 15, 2022 by Maurizio Guzzinati (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 27, 2022 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2020 by max Gavaghan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 10, 2022 by Yolanda Corres (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 24, 2017 by Tara Conler (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Sep 23, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 8, 2022 by jvanbuul (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2019 by S Gauthier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 27, 2022 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 23, 2018 by franco cauli (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 21, 2021 by Béatrice Escande (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 21, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude CALAIS (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2021 by Antoine Olivier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 27, 2022 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken May 13, 2021 by Antoine Olivier (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5394278)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30320466-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Taraxacum palustre (Lyons) Symons)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 7.5
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 8
Soil nutriments: 2
