Scientific name: Taraxacum officinale
Synonym: Taraxaeum officinale
Family: ASTERACEAE
Common names: “Dandelion”
Plant Type: Perennial weed
Long taproot
Conditions:
Zone: 3
Light: Full sun – part shade
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
Soil: Any
Moisture: Moist
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 6-12″ W 6-8″
Leaf and Stem shape: Long dentate and a hollow stem which contains a toxic milky sap
Flower: Golden yellow flowers
Comments: Leaves are edible and a high source of vitamin A, C & K, also a good source of calcium, potassium, iron & manganese, the flowers are used to make wine and jellies, toasted roots can be ground up and used as a coffee substitute and are said to have medicinal properties especially good for the kidneys
Bees & Butterflies love the flowers – remove flowers before spraying