The dandelion, considered by many to be an unwanted weed, is also an edible plant. The leafy greens are often used in salads, while the flowering part of the plant can be used to make wine. Dandelions have incredibly deep-growing roots for their size, making them difficult to remove completely from yards or other areas where they aren't wanted. When they go to seed, the dandelion heads become fluffy, making them a fun plaything for children who enjoy blowing the seeds into the wind.
Dandelion: The Basics
The common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a perennial edible plant with pointy notched green leaves. It's found throughout North America, Europe and Asia and has hundreds of subspecies. Alternative names of the dandelion are lion's tooth, priest's crown and swine's snout. The flowering part of the dandelion is yellow and averages 1 to 2 inches wide. Dandelions open in the morning and close at night. The root, or taproot, can grow 10 inches long. The dandelion flower later turns to a seed head that is fluffy and gray or white. Each seed has a parachute and many seed/parachute combinations make up the seed head. The seeds and parachutes ride along the wind when blown.
Nutritional and Culinary Value
The dandelion is valued for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The leaves are often found in salads and can be steamed or made into teas. Nutrient-rich dandelion leaves contain many B vitamins as well as vitamins A, C and D, beta carotene, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Its roots are sometimes used in herbal coffee substitutes.
Herbal and Medicinal Uses
Dandelion roots are used to stimulate the appetite and also serve as a digestive aid. The root has a mild laxative effect. Dandelion leaves are a mild diuretic and this property makes it useful as an herbal treatment for high blood pressure and poor digestion. It can be taken to strengthen the liver and gall bladder. Dandelion should not be consumed by those with allergies to daisies, ragweed, marigold or chamomile.
Dandelion as a Weed
Many homeowners, especially those who prefer only grass on their lawns, think of the dandelion as a difficult and prolific weed. This is because the leafy part of the dandelion is often difficult to pull out and can be a thick growth that mars the texture and look of an otherwise grassy lawn. Dandelions will return unless the entire root is removed. Any yard with one dandelion will often have many, since dandelions are hardy and thrive in lawn-like environments.
