Coast Dandelion
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(Agoseris apargioides var. apargioides)
Coast Dandelion on the dunes at Crissy Field.
Will Elder, NPS
Presidio Locations: Found throughout the Presidio inland and particularly on the coastal dunes. Range In State: California coast. The Presidio is the type locality for this species. Description: This native perennial species has yellow flowers resembling the non-native weed. The flower petals are considered to be individual flowers and will form individual seeds, however, the seedhead of the Coast Dandelion is a very dense sphere as opposed to the non-native's more feathery, open head. The leaves are smooth to softly hairy. It can grow to 4 to 18 inches high. Blooms May to August. California Native Uses: Young greens were eaten in the early spring to purify the blood. Roots were used as tea for heartburn. |
Did You Know?
Major Jonathan Letterman--after whom the hospital at the Presidio was renamed in 1911--was the medical director of the Army of the Potomac. A founding father of military medicine, Letterman organized forward first-aid stations, mobile field hospitals, and ambulance services during the Civil War.