Dandelion seed head (5th of 8 images). Close-up of the seed head of a dandelion, Taraxacum officinale. The dandelion seed head contains many wind-dispersed seeds enclosed within a protective double layer of bracts (green). Characteristically the inner bracts (at centre) are erect, while the outer ones (at lower centre) 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.