Dandelion

Scientific Classification & Quick Facts

Common name	Dandelion
Scientific name	Taraxacum
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Asterales
Family	Asteraceae
Type	Flowering plant in the daisy family
Habitat	Lawns, waste ground, roadsides, pastures
Native range	Eurasia, North and South America
Colours	Yellow to orange flower heads
Edible parts	Leaves; roasted root is a coffee substitute
Special feature	Flower heads close at night

Taraxacum is a big genus of flowering plants coming from the family of Asteraceae. They inhabit Eurasia plus North and South America. Two of its species, T. Erythrospermum and T. Officinale exist worldwide as weeds. Both varieties totally are fit for human consumption. As is typical of members of this family, they too have tiny flowers bunched together that collectively form a flower head. The members of this variety are given the name Dandelion, derived from French, meaning ‘lion’s tooth.

History

The oldest medicinal mention of the Dandelion is found in the workings of physicians from the Arab world, during the 10th and 11th centuries. They mention it as a kind of wild Endive, named as Taraxcacon. It is referred to as part of the Welsh medicines of the 13th century. The roots of Dandelion have continued to be used for long in the Continent. In India, the plant is mainly cultivated for use as a medicine for treating disorders of the liver.

Anatomy

The plant has leaves 5–25 cm in length or even longer, simple and basal, complete or lobed, which form a rosette on top of the main tap root. The color of flower heads varies from yellow to orange. They remain open during the day and close at night. The heads stand up individually over a hollow stem, which goes up 1–10 cm over the leaves and give off milky latex, once broken. A rosette may create numerous flowering stems at a time.

Habitat

Dandelion occurs in wide ranging habitats, but likely to thrive the most in disturbed situations like lawns, waste ground, paths, road verges and pastures. A few micro species also occur in natural or semi-natural environment, like fens, chalk grassland and sand dunes.

Soil

Being among the toughest of plants, Dandelion can grow almost everywhere, irrespective of the status of soil, but prefers rich soil having adequate moisture.

Temperature

Make sure there is no chance of frost and the temperature is mild at the time of planting. It germinates well with soil temperature over 10°C.

Planting

Dandelion seeds are planted in single rows at a depth of ¼ inch during early spring. The soil should be fertile and well drained. .

Watering

Excessive watering and too many plants around should be avoided.

Pests and disease

Few disease causing pests or bugs are known to attack this strong plant. Many herbicides are available to keep dandelions away from lawns.

Uses

Though all parts of this plant have fairly bitter milk like juice, it is the root juice that is mostly used for curative purposes. However, its effectiveness is yet to be substantiated. Dandelion has traditionally been used for upset stomach, joint pains, gallstones, intestinal gas, and lack of appetite, Muscle aches, bruises and eczema. Other uses include: enhancing of urine production and bowel movement, as a blood tonic and skin toner. Roasted root of dandelion works as a substitute for coffee. Dandelion is used for making wines, soups, teas and salad greens.

Related: Dandelion Life Cycle – Stages & Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know

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