California dandelion
With a wide distribution throughout the state, the California dandelion is much more refined and well-behaved than its European, weedy look-alike. Found in oak woodland, chaparral, and many other plant communities in part-shade or bright dappled light. Slender, dissected, low, fuzzy gray-green leaves give rise to stem-like peduncles up to 2+ feet tall that are topped with rounded, flat, gold-yellow flower clusters from March-May, followed by large, perfectly rounded white globes of seeds that are wind-dispersed. Plant in part-sun or in areas with bright dappled light that drain well and are summer dry. Does not reseed aggressively like the European dandelion. Drought-tolerant.