Properties of a Dandelion Stem During the Seeding Process

Stem Details

• Dandelions don't have true stems. True stems support the leaves of a plant, but the leaves of the dandelion instead form a rosette on the soil surface, emerging directly from the long tap root. The portion of the dandelion typically referred to as the stem is instead the flower stalk, which supports the flower and later the seed head of the perennial weed. Dandelions have hollow stalks filled with white, milky sap. When broken, the sticky sap extrudes from the stem.

Elongation

• The height of a dandelion stem varies, depending on several factors. In turf grass areas that experience frequent mowing, the stems tend to remain low and close to the ground. In wild areas, dandelion flower stems can grow to 10 inches or longer. Plant health, soil nutrition and the amount of available moisture can affect the length of the stem. The dandelion flower stem continues to grow until the flowers open. The stem ceases all growth once the flower goes to seed.

Properties After Seeding

• The seeds are completely formed and viable when the seed head becomes fluffy. Once the flower wilts and the seeds form, the dandelion stalk begins to weaken. Its primary purpose is to support the flower during the flowering and seeding stage. Each stem produces only one blossom before it wilts. New stems grow in to replace the faded one, proffering fresh flowers. The sap, which transports nutrients from the roots and to the flower and seeds during formation, begins to dry up once the the dandelion seeds become completely formed.

Edible and Medicinal Properties

• All parts of the dandelion are edible, although only the leaves, roots and flowers typically serve culinary purposes. The stalks are usually removed because the milky sap gives them a bitter and astringent flavor. Picking the stems before they flower and boiling them removes some of the bitter flavor. The stems and leaves have diuretic properties that help alleviate fluid retention when consumed. The plant also serves as an appetite enhancer and a mild laxative.