Taraxacum officinale

Taraxacum officinale, commonly known as the dandelion, is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant of the family Asteraceae. It is native to Eurasia and North America, but the two most common species worldwide, T. officinale and T. erythrospermum, were introduced from Europe and now propagate as wildflowers.

Description

Taraxacum officinale grows from generally unbranched taproots and produces one to more than ten stems that are typically 5 to 40 cm tall, but sometimes up to 70 cm tall. The stems can be tinted purplish, they are upright or lax, and produce flower heads that are 2–5 cm wide. The leaves are 5–25 cm long or longer, simple and basal, entire or lobed, forming a rosette above the central taproot.

Distribution and habitat

Taraxacum officinale is found throughout most of the world, in habitats ranging from open sunny locations to shady spots in garden borders. It is considered a weed in some areas, due to its ability to spread rapidly and cover large areas.

Uses

Taraxacum officinale has been used in traditional medicine in many cultures. It is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Its leaves are often used to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and teas. The roots can be used in some coffee substitutes, and its flowers are used to make certain wines.

Cultivation

In terms of cultivation, Taraxacum officinale is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is a prolific seed producer, with each flower head capable of producing up to 200 seeds.

See also

• List of Taraxacum species
• Herbalism
• Invasive species