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

    What happens to a dandelion in water?

    June 9, 2022 By Emma Vanstone 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

    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 for longer.

    The word dandelion means lion’s tooth.

    Dandelion seeds are produced asexually, 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. They have a long flowering season which 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 all about the science of the 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 July 17, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

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    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.

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