British Columbia Outdoor Wilderness Guide |
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Dandelion
(Taraxacum officinale)
a.k.a. Common Dandelion
Dandelion
derived its scientific name 'officinale' meaning 'medicinal',
because of its medical use. Some
think the backward pointing teeth of the leaves resemble
those of a lion, hence the common name.
The
Dandelion is a
common perennial herb of the sunflower family. It is
solitary and can grow from 5-60 cm. in height.
Many
people consider Dandelions a weed although others find
a variety of uses for them.
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grow from the root, circling around the stem
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spoon shaped or oblong
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can be lobed or toothed
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long - almost as long as the flower stems
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bright yellow ray flowers comprise the heads
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no disk flowers
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the flower head sits on a base of overlapping bracts
- FRUIT:
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seeds are attached to a 'parachute' by a long stalk
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the 'parachute' is white or greyish
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HABITAT:
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Dandelions can be found at most elevations
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in disturbed, cultivated areas and clearings
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widespread throughout BC
- FASCINATING
FACTS:
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Dandelions were introduced from Europe
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in the evening the flowers close.
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young tender Dandelion leaves can be cooked or eaten
raw as a salad green
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a Dandelion coffee is made from dried and ground roots;
the roots can also be cooked and eaten
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dandelion wine is made from the flowers.
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