perennial

Cut-Leaved Dandelion

The Story

Plant Bio

Taraxacum dissectum is a low-growing, taprooted perennial native to the cold alpine regions of Central and Eastern Asia. It forms a tight, ground-hugging rosette of deeply cut, runcinate leaves that remain highly compact compared to common weedy dandelions.

The solitary yellow flower heads emerge on short, upright scapes in spring and summer, composed entirely of ray florets. Its deeply dissected, fern-like foliage provides a delicate, structural texture suited specifically to mineral-rich rock crevices.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a highly detailed, miniature rosette of deeply cut foliage and bright yellow flowers for specialized alpine displays.

Thrives in sterile, rocky crevices where few other ornamental perennials can survive.

Attracts small native bees and generalist pollinators with pollen and nectar during spring and summer.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

Width

10"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Central and Eastern Asia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with exceptionally sharp drainage, such as a rock garden, scree bed, or alpine trough.
Prepare a planting medium consisting primarily of coarse sand, grit, and fine gravel, minimizing organic matter.
Excavate a deep, narrow hole to accommodate the long taproot without bending or crowding it.
Position the crown slightly above the soil line and top-dress with a thick layer of clean stone grit to prevent moisture retention around the collar.

Pro Tip

Plant in pure scree or a highly porous sand-and-gravel mix; any organic-rich soil that retains winter moisture triggers rapid, fatal crown rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water sparingly during the active growing season, allowing the soil to dry out completely between applications.
Remove spent flower heads before they set seed if you wish to prevent localized self-sowing.
Protect the plant from excess winter wet by using a rain cover or planting on a sloped rock face.

Don't

Do not apply nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which cause weak, bloated growth and invite rot.
Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained garden loam.
Do not disturb or transplant the established specimen, as the deep taproot resents root damage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Pest Check
Propagate
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock GardensAlpine TroughsScree BedsCrevice Gardens

Companion Plants

Saxifraga paniculata Sempervivum tectorum Dianthus alpinus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cut-Leaved Dandelion questions

What zones can Cut-Leaved Dandelion grow in?

Cut-Leaved Dandelion is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Cut-Leaved Dandelion deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Cut-Leaved Dandelion, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Cut-Leaved Dandelion bloom?

Cut-Leaved Dandelion typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cut-Leaved Dandelion need full sun?

Cut-Leaved Dandelion does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Cut-Leaved Dandelion drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cut-Leaved Dandelion handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.