Gardening Guides
Flowers and Plants
Central Plains Gardening
Nothocalais Cuspidata Isn’t That Kind of Dandelion
This native dandelion for spring pollinators thrives in tough conditions in central U.S. prairies
I know what you’re thinking — why would you ever purposely plant a dandelion? But this is not your everyday aggressive dandelion from half a world away that we see in lawns and driveway cracks. Prairie false dandelion (Nothocalais cuspidata) is a perennial native that’s fairly well-behaved and a boon to early-season pollinators. It’s also tough as nails and an ideal plant for dry, rocky, hot, sunny locations where nothing else can grow.
Not in the Central Plains? Browse plants native to other regions of the U.S.
Not in the Central Plains? Browse plants native to other regions of the U.S.
Photo by Matt Lavin
Distinguishing traits. At first glance, especially when observing the bloom, you’d swear this was the weedy and more common annual dandelion from abroad. Its leaves, however, which are lance-like and can grow 12 inches long and three-quarters of an inch wide, are a dead giveaway that it’s a native.
Prairie false dandelion is also a perennial, so it comes back year after year. There are other native dandelions (Agoseris spp.) that can be found west of the Rockies, stretching to the Pacific, that closely resemble prairie false dandelion.
How to use it. Our native flyover-country dandelion does not prefer disturbed sites. This means it will thrive in a perennial backyard garden where it’s allowed to develop a deep taproot and make itself at home. It won’t self-sow abundantly or pop up in lots of unexpected places. Consider massing this perennial to best appreciate its blooms and low foliage.
Prairie false dandelion is also a perennial, so it comes back year after year. There are other native dandelions (Agoseris spp.) that can be found west of the Rockies, stretching to the Pacific, that closely resemble prairie false dandelion.
How to use it. Our native flyover-country dandelion does not prefer disturbed sites. This means it will thrive in a perennial backyard garden where it’s allowed to develop a deep taproot and make itself at home. It won’t self-sow abundantly or pop up in lots of unexpected places. Consider massing this perennial to best appreciate its blooms and low foliage.
Planting notes. In the wild, prairie dandelion thrives in rocky, gravelly soils, in uplands, on slopes and even on rocky outcrops where nothing else can grow. Dry, hot, well-drained soil is key, otherwise root rot may develop.
Prairie false dandelion does not tolerate competition from taller plants. Place it at the front of the border, on its own or in a sparse rock garden to ensure it receives full sunlight. Prairie false dandelion probably does best when planted from a pot in late summer or fall, or seeded in late fall to midwinter.
Photo by Matt Lavin
More
Browse plants native to other regions of the U.S.
Give Your Lawn a Taste of the Wild
Prairie false dandelion does not tolerate competition from taller plants. Place it at the front of the border, on its own or in a sparse rock garden to ensure it receives full sunlight. Prairie false dandelion probably does best when planted from a pot in late summer or fall, or seeded in late fall to midwinter.
Photo by Matt Lavin
More
Browse plants native to other regions of the U.S.
Give Your Lawn a Taste of the Wild
Common names: Prairie false dandelion, wavy-leaf prairie dandelion, false dandelion, prairie dandelion
Origin: Native from Montana east to Wisconsin and Illinois, and south from Colorado to Missouri
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (USDA zones 3 to 7; find your zone)
Typical plant communities: Meadows, prairies, hillsides, slopes and rocky areas
Water requirement: No supplemental water needed once established; prefers dry to medium soil
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 1 foot tall and wide
Benefits and tolerances: Attracts early-season pollinators
Seasonal interest: Early to mid-spring bloom
When to plant: Plant potted or bare-root plants from summer to fall; sow seeds in late fall through midwinter