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Common Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
30.9087, 76.9692
Field Notes
Description:
Taraxacum officinale is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft).
It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Apr to May, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects, self, apomictic.The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Habitat:
Lawn; Meadow; Cultivated Beds;
Notes:
Dandelions have deep taproots, and the whole plant contains a milky fluid known as latex . It is perennial, and flowers throughout the year . The flowers close at night, and can produce around 2,000 wind-dispersed fruits . Plants can also regenerate from pieces of the tap root.
Although generally regarded as a weed, dandelions have many uses, both culinary and medicinal. It is a scientifically proven diuretic and laxative, and has also been used as a tonic, to treat rheumatic problems, and as a blood purifier. Young leaves and flowers are used in salads, stir-fries and other recipes, and the root can be dried to make a substitute for coffee, a practice that was common during the rationing of the Second World War.
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