Dandelion flower bud (1st of 8 images). Close- up of the flower bud of the dandelion, Taraxacum officinale. The bud contains many tiny flowers called florets enclosed within a protective double layer of bracts (green). Characteristically the inner bracts (at upper centre) are erect, while the outer ones (in lower frame) are curved backwards. Dandelions are short perennial plants which grow in grassy areas and waste ground, and flower mainly between April and June. See photos B539/035-042 for the sequence of development from flower bud to seed dispersal.