<p>Environmental pollution from heavy metals poses a significant and escalating threat to ecosystem integrity and food security worldwide. Rapid industrialization and urban development have markedly increased the release of toxic elements into terrestrial environments. <i>Taraxacum officinale</i> (common dandelion), a widely consumed leafy plant with broad ecological tolerance, has emerged as a potential bioindicator due to its capacity to thrive in contaminated habitats and accumulate heavy metals in edible tissues. This study assessed the bioindicator potential of <i>T. officinale</i> by examining its accumulation of cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr) across polluted and unpolluted sites in Muzaffarabad city. Soils at polluted sites showed alkaline pH (7.1–8.15), high electrical conductivity (11.34–1228 dS m⁻¹), and elevated metal concentrations. The highest Zn accumulation was recorded in plants from the block and crush zone—521.2 mg/kg in soil, 281.1 mg/kg in roots, and 176.7 mg/kg in leaves with an overall accumulation trend of Zn &gt; Pb &gt; Cr &gt; As &gt; Cd. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) values below 1.0 suggested a phytostabilization strategy. Morphological changes under metal stress included reduced root and shoot lengths and smaller leaf area. Physiological impairments were evidenced by declines in chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, transpiration, and stomatal conductance. Elevated antioxidant enzyme activities and increased osmolyte levels indicated strong oxidative stress responses and adaptation. Collectively, our findings support the <i>T. officinale</i> as a reliable bioindicator for assessing heavy metal pollution and offer a scientific basis for developing phytoremediation and environmental management strategies.</p>