Dandelion

Dandelion

Dandelion Taraxacum officinale has hollow stems with a milky juice and leaves with jagged margins that give the plant its name from the French "dent de lion" (lion's tooth). The leaves form a flat rosette on the ground and this plant is very successful at competing with other species. The flowering heads have bright yellow ray florets and the outer bracts under the head are turned downwards. The leaves can be eaten and the flowers can be used to make wine. Roasted roots were used as a coffee substitute during the last World War. [CH] {GW}