Dandelion

Description: This plant is a flowering perennial in the Asteraceae family naturalized in the U.S. from Europe. The Latin name is "Dens Leonis" which translates to "lion's teeth” and the French "Dent-de-Lion" which translates to “teeth of the lion”. This is how we ended up with the name Dandelion. The descriptor of lion's teeth is a reference to the plant's "teeth" on the leaf blade.

The leaf stems are almost white where they attach to the plant’s base. The leaf lobes (teeth) will be variable in shape and size. There will be a tinge of red somewhere on the SMOOTH leaf stem, (No Hairs). Other similar-looking (but safe to eat) plants will probably have hairs.

The flower's head looks like one flower but in fact a cluster of flowers or a composite of many flowers, each flower resulting in a single seed head/seed. The flower head opens and closes once each day for about three days. On the 4th day, the flower head is transformed from yellow to white puffball. Each piece of the fluff that flies away is a single seed, from that single flower. In perfect growing conditions, the (hollow) flower stem can grow up to 2 feet tall.

Edible Parts: The flowers, flower buds, leaves, upper bud stems, the heart, and root. The flavor and texture are highly dependent on growing conditions. Excessive sun, and or lack of moisture may cause extra bitterness. The plant can be eaten raw or cooked. There are 100's of different ways to prepare this plant. This plant is fairly bitter but I eat it anyway.

Notes: Only 1 single flower head per stem. If there is more than one flower head, the plant is not a dandelion. However, there are no dangerous look-a-likes. When parts of this plant are broken it will exude a white milky sap. Dandelions were introduced from Europe to the Midwest to provide food for imported honey bees. ((NEEDS CITE))). My father reminisces about the wine he made from dandelion wine in his youth. The dandelion is one of the most nutritious plants available; it has more beta carotene than carrots. Supposedly the white sap can remove warts??

Contributor:

JRH