Dandelion seeds. Close-up of seeds leaving the seed-head (or clock") of the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Each individual seed, of which there can be up to 400 on any one clock, is topped by a fine parachute of hairs (the pappus), which allows the seeds to be borne great distances by the wind. The dandelion is a common plant of grassland, and is a serious weed in gardens."