Today I noticed a couple of strange looking dandelions in our backyard. Instead of individual stems for each brilliant yellow bloom several had grown together in one solid super stem. You could sort of feel the cluster of stems in these large “stems”.
One big stem, multiple blooms
Another large stemmed one…
There are plenty of “normal” dandelions nearby. Any botanists or agronomists or anybody who knows anything about these dandelions? I’ve never seen anything like this. Appreciate any comments or answers.
Roadtirement 
What you have is an example of fasciation: a phenomenon that often is characterized by flattened, enlarged stems and multiple or strangely formed blooms. It can happen with any plant; do a search for ‘fasciated plants’ and you’ll find examples. I’ve photographed fasciated Indian paintbrush, brown-eyed Susans, larkspur, and Texas dandelion. They’re always fun to see. There are some fasciated saguaro cacti that are pretty famous.
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Thank you very very much Linda. I knew someone would provide. I have seen the saguaro variations, but at the time never pursued the correct nomenclature.
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Radioactivity? Lol Very curious. Never have seen the like.😃❤️
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These days nothing would surprise me.
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So very true.
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Pingback: Very strange dandelion – Tonya LaLonde
Thanks!
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I’ve never seen anything like this, so weird. A few ideas run through my head…
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It is rather strange and not uncommon according to others who have provided information.
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I read the comment about fasciation, never heard of it!
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With you there, John, it was a new term for me too!
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It’s called a Fasciated Dandelion, according to gardening vibe.com. “It’s a genetic mutation, infection by virus or bacteria, or environmental factors.”
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Thanks, Judy. I knew I could count on my blogging buddies!
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🙂
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She got it! I have seen this in other plants, too.
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Your backyard is so special that you have elite weeds.
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You are too kind, Geoff. 🙂
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wow!
✨🦋🐍🕊🐉🗝⚖🕯🤍⚛🎐🎋🙏✨
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I hope you get some answers
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We have received great answers!
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I’ve got plenty of dandelions (And love them unlike most homeowners), but I’ve never seen a dandelion tree before!
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Got some good explanations below! Thanks
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That’s a beauty. Reminds me of a Joshua tree.
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I can for sure see that, Tim!
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A common mutant or part of the genetic variation?? Stewart
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It is an example of fasciation, evidently not uncommon in many species. Thanks for stopping by!
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I vote with radioactivity.
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That makes a great story!
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Oh no Day of the Triffids watch out ; )
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Love it! 😁👍
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