Common Dandelion
(Scientific Name: Taraxacum
officinale)
Description:
A perennial plant growing from a thick taproot. The coarsely toothed
leaves form a rosette or basal cluster. The yellow flower is in a
solitary head on a hollow, leafless stem. Fresh parts exude a milky
juice when cut or broken.
Habitat:
A common, world-wide weed growing in lawns, fields, gardens and
roadsides. It is one of the first green plants of spring.
Uses: Young leaves can be used for salads or
cooked as greens if collected before the flowers appear. If
the slightly bitter taste of dandelion is objectionable, the cooking
water can be changed once. The roots can be sliced and cooked like
carrots or roasted until dark brown inside and ground and brewed
like coffee.
