What causes a dandelion leaf to be dark red?

Question

Personally I find it quite attractive!

Taken near Toronto, Canada.

Jayparth · Accepted Answer · 2024-07-17 15:52:56Z

6

When subjected to severe arid conditions or stress, the leaf mutates to produce red pigments called anthocyanins which causes this.

answered Jul 17 at 15:52

Jayparth

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I expect you are right about stress and anthocyanins, but are you sure its a Dandelion?
– davidgo
Commented Jul 22 at 9:38
1

@davidgo sure they're dandelions. I assume you're not sure about identification because of it's non-serrated leaves. The plant is quite young, that's probably why it's leaves are that way. If you look through the centre of plant you'll spot some serrations.
– Jayparth
Commented Jul 23 at 10:16

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