The Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale
Description
The dandelion has to be the number-one recognised plant in the UK. Just step out of your front or back door and you'll be sure to come across one in a matter of seconds - you may even have spent many a day trying to dig them up or burn them from the cracks in your pavement! Many kids too are familiar with this plant, and have perpetuated the age-old notion that they make you "wee the bed"! Dandelions are 100% edible, from root to flower head, and can be used for a multitude of purposes in the kitchen, from salads, stews and soups, to desserts, syrups and drinks. A truly versatile edible that's instantly recognisable and super-easy to find.
Dandelion Checklist
Habitat
π Grassland, including paddocks, fields and meadows.
π‘ Urban Green Spaces, including scrubland, parks and gardens.
π’ Urban Environments, wasteland, Streets and pavements.
π Hedgerows, including field edges.
π³ Deciduous Woodland.
π² Coniferous Woodland clearings and edges.
π Waterways, including rivers, canals and streams.
Season
πΈππβοΈ Jan - Dec
Leaves
βοΈ Green with heavily toothed edges, growing in tight rosettes. releases a milky sap when cut.
Flowers
οΈπ· Large, pretty yellow flowers with many petals.
Stem
π± Stems are green-red, slightly hairy and hollow, and exude a white sap when cut.
Root
π Has a large, cream to pale brown taproot.
Fruit / Seeds
π The flowerheads turn into a beautiful sphere of seed parachutes which are dispersed by the wind (or a child's breath!).
Edible Parts
βοΈ Leaves
π· Flowers
π± Stem
π Root
Aroma / Taste
π The flowerheads smell sweet and floral.
π
Young leaves are very bitter raw, but improve with cooking.
ID Notes
π© ID Difficulty - Beginner
π The very familiar flowerheads, the toothed, lettuce-like leaves, and the delicate circular seed balls, are the key identifiers of this plant.
Uses
π₯ Salad - The flowers and leaves can be eaten raw and added to salads.
πΊ Garnish - The flowers can be used as a garnish.
π₯¬ Green - The leaves can be cooked like spinach.
βοΈ Beverage - The flowers and leaves can used to make teas or other drinks.
π¨ Sweet - The flowers can be used to make desserts, puddings and syrups.
π Herbal Remedy - this plant often used medicinally.