• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Menu
  • Science Experiments For Kids
  • Science Fair Projects
  • Science Facts
  • Science Questions
  • About
    • Emma Vanstone
    • About Science Sparks
Science Experiments for Kids
Menu
  • STEM Challenges
    • STEM Challenges
    • FREE STEM Challenge Templates
  • Early Years Science
    • Preschool Science
    • Sensory and Messy Play
    • Understanding of the World
    • Pirate Science Experiments
  • Primary Science
    • Baking Soda Experiments
    • Candy Experiments
    • Biology
    • Climate Change for Kids
    • Coding for Kids
    • Chemistry
    • Electricity for Kids
    • Magic Science Experiments
    • Harry Potter Experiments
    • Human Body Science
    • Air Pressure Experiments
    • Life Cycles
    • LEGO Science Experiments
    • Kitchen Science
    • Famous Scientists
    • Forces and Motion
    • Science Sparks Snippets
    • Key Stage 1 Science
      • Animals
      • Everyday Materials
      • Plants
      • Coding Activities
      • Humans and Health
      • Fine Motor skills
      • Science and Literacy
    • Key Stage 2 Science
      • Animals, Including Humans
      • Electricity
      • Light
      • Plants
      • Materials and their Properties
  • Holiday Science
    • Christmas Science
    • Halloween Science
    • Easter Science
  • Storybook Themed Science Experiments
  • Wonderful Women in STEM
  • FREE Science Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • FREE Experiments
  • Science for Kids
    • Kitchen Science
    • Climate Change
    • Egg Experiments
    • Fairy Tale Science
    • Edible Science
    • Human Health
    • Chemistry
    • Inspirational Women
    • Forces and Motion
  • Science Fair Projects
  • STEM Challenges
  • Science Sparks Books
  • Contact Science Sparks
  • Science Resources for Home and School

×
Home » Science Questions » What happens to a dandelion in water?

What happens to a dandelion in water?

Modified: May 7, 2024 · Published: Jun 9, 2022 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever blown a dandelion that’s gone to seed, you’ve probably found that the little parachute-like seeds detach easily and seem quite delicate. However, dandelion seed puff balls are stronger than you think!

A whole dandelion head can be placed in water and removed again, almost completely undamaged!

Dandelion being held under water in a glass. An activity for learning about what happens to a dandelion in water.

What happens to a dandelion in water?

Each dandelion seed is attached to a tiny parachute like structure ( called a pappus ) made up of lots of filaments which allow the seed to fly away on the wind. This clever dispersal method clearly works well as dandelions are very abundant.

dandelion being removed from water

Is a dandelion waterproof?

The pappus is omniphilic, which means it repels both oil and water. When the tiny hairs of the pappus are submerged in water, they close up, trapping a water droplet inside.

This feature may help dandelions survive in wet conditions.

Dandelion under water showing the hydrophilic nature of the pappus

Dandelion Facts

A special air bubble forms on top of the filaments above the seed to help keep it in the air longer.

The word dandelion means lion’s tooth.

Dandelion seeds are produced asexually, so they don’t need to be pollinated. This means all dandelions are genetically identical to their parent plant.

Dandelion flowers close up at night.

All parts of the dandelion are edible!

Although they don’t need to be pollinated, dandelions are a very popular source of food for pollinating insects such as bees, moths, and butterflies. Their long flowering season makes them especially useful to insects. Next time you do some weeding, think about leaving some dandelions behind!

Dandelion blowing in the wind

How does a dandelion clock form?

When the flower reaches a certain age, it starts to dry out, making the petals fall off, which exposes the seed ball. When the wind blows, the seeds are carried away from the parent plant. This is called seed dispersal.

More about seed dispersal

Learn more about seed dispersal methods by making a sticky seed or an exploding seed pod.

This video explains the science of dandelion seed and how it is specially adapted to travel far from the parent plant.

what happens to a dandelion in water. Find out with this easy science investigation

Last Updated on May 7, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

More Science Questions

  • Why Do Crisp Packets Puff Up at High Altitude? The Science Explained
  • How hot is the Sun?
  • The Science Behind 10 Everyday Phenomena
  • Einstein rings
    What are Einstein Rings?

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Imagine a world where science education is accessible to everyone and is all about hands-on, exciting discoveries. That’s the world I want to create.

More about me

Around the World in 50 Experiments

50 experiments about countries of the world

Footer

↑ back to top

Science Sparks - FREE science experiments for kids

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Services
  • Media Kit
  • FAQ

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Science Sparks - Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd