Dandelion seed head (7th of 8 images). Close-up of the seed head of a dandelion, Taraxacum officinale. Each individual seed is attached to a parachute of fine hairs, improving its dispersal by wind. The seeds grew from the female parts (carpels) of the flower head once they had been fertilized with pollen. 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.