The common dandelion, Taraxacum officinale is a perennial flower common on the roadsides on Dewees Island. The common name means “lion’s tooth. The word officinale means “of the shops”, referring to the medicinal and marketing uses of all parts of this edible plant. The blooming season is February to June. It’s not actually native to South Carolina, but is naturalized across the entire United States. Dandelions have been used for food throughout much of recorded history, and the sap contains latex. They don’t need pollinators to reproduce, but some fritillaries nectar off the blossoms.

On Dewees Island, you’ll find the common dandelion many months of the year in the roadsides and occasionally mown areas along the roads.