The dandelion is a flowering plant. They have the longest flowering season of any plant. In most parts of the world they are known as weeds. The leaves are toothed and grow 2 to 10 inches in length. The stem of the dandelion is hollow. It's flower opens at dawn and closes at night. Seeds have disk like extensions that act like parachutes in the dispersal of the seeds in the wind that can travel 5 miles. Every part of the dandelion is useful: root, leaves, and flowers. They can be used for food,medicine and dye for coloring. Americans spend millions of dollars on lawn pesticides to remove them and have lawns of non-native grasses. 30 percent of the country's water supply is used to keep lawns green