Papago Indians eat the bulbs which have an onion-like flavor. Bulbs are difficult to obtain because they grow at a depth of 18 inches to two feet beneath the surface of the hard-packed desert soil. Flowers remain open during the day, and propagation is principally by seeds.
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Rafinesquia neomexicana
Common Names: DESERT-DANDELION, GOATSBEARD Arizona and Texas deserts. (Rafinesquia neomexicana). Bright white. March-May. California desert. (Rafinesquia californica). Dull white. April-May. Sunflower family. Size: About a foot high.
In early springs that follow winters of more than average rainfall the Desert-Dandelion is one of the conspicuous annuals helping to carpet the deserts with a ground-cover of flowers.
Although much more delicate, longer stemmed, and less coarse and robust than the common Dandelion, the flowers sufficiently resemble those of the better-known yellow Dandelion to stimulate recognition.
Desert-Dandelion is found below 4,000 feet in desert situations from western Texas to Lower California and northward to southern Utah.
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