A WILD NATIVE DANDELION !!!

Paula Boundy, April 29, 2020

So Cool. A few years ago I noticed a small yellow flower alongside the road in my neighborhood that looked just like the common invasive dandelion that I detest - although fellow plant lovers have told me it is an important flower for early pollinators. Upon researching it I knew it to be Krigia virginica, Virginia Dwarf-dandelion. I was enchanted. Recently, I happened upon this plant again, this time on April 28, 2020, at Chilton Woods State Forest, alongside the road but opposite from the actual SF where there may be more sun. I have also noticed it elsewhere in Mathews County at a friend’s property who let me dig some for transplant to my new garden in Aylett. Perhaps this is a banner year for it! Perhaps you will see some now that it has been brought to your attention! Photos below are by me at Chilton Woods, 4/28, trying to get differences in foliage… The flower of Krigia is approximately ¼ size of Taraxacum.

Krigia virginica, Virginia Dwarf-dandelion Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale, Common