Although found in many areas of the United States, coast dandelion is particularly troublesome in northern California, Washington, and Oregon. At first glance this perennial bears a striking resemblance to common dandelion, but close inspection reveals very little actual similarity. The leaves of coast dandelion are similar in outline to common dandelion, but they are thick, fleshy and covered with hairs. Coast dandelion sends up leafless stems and its yellow-orange flowers are often found in branched pairs. Its strong rosette hugs the ground, avoids the mower and chokes good turf. A strong taproot penetrates nearly two feet into the soil.