Sharp-hooked dandelion leaf variant spotted in a California backyard
iNaturalist: lazaarleila2
Native Plants
The dandelions dotting your lawn aren't all the same plant genetically, and documenting small leaf-shape variants like this hooked form helps researchers map how much hidden diversity is hiding in the weeds you walk past every day.
Someone in Burbank spotted dandelions with an unusual leaf shape, where the lobes curve into hook-like points instead of the typical jagged edges. They photographed it and logged it on iNaturalist, where other naturalists verified the identification, making it a confirmed community record. It's a small but real example of how ordinary people help build a public record of plant diversity just by paying attention to what's growing nearby.
Key Findings
Observation reached 'research-grade' status on iNaturalist, meaning the identification was confirmed by the community.
The dandelion variant features hook-shaped leaf lobes (Hamata form), distinct from the common jagged-edged dandelion leaf.
Location documented as Burbank, California, USA, contributing to regional distribution data for this leaf variant.
chevron_right Technical Summary
A citizen scientist in Burbank, California documented dandelions with distinctive hook-shaped leaf lobes, a variant form confirmed as 'research-grade' on iNaturalist. Small observations like this help scientists track plant variation and distribution across urban landscapes.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
hook-lobed dandelions (Hamata) observed in Burbank, CA, USA
Research-grade observation of hook-lobed dandelions in Burbank, CA, USA.
open_in_new Read full abstractAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
Species Mentioned
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