ID Guide: Dandelion
Common names: Dandelion, lions-tooth, blowball, cankerwort, piss-a-bed, cankerwort, Irish daisy
Latin: Taraxacum
Dandelions are a common sight in UK parks and gardens. They have a distinctive look with long jagged green leaves, long stems and a bright yellow flower. They are often seen as weeds and grow in abundance.
The plants are a favourite amongst children as when the plant pollinates the yellow flower turns into a ball of seeds that children can blow to make a wish with.
This plant is commonly foraged as it is completely safe and rarely mistaken with other flowers. The leaves are the best to use in place of other salad items, but the entire plant can be used. The flowers are often made into syrup for Dandelion and Burdock flavoured drinks – a UK staple.
The best time of year to forage Dandelions is spring and summer when they are blooming. Early in the morning when the bud is fully open is the best time of day if the flower is needed and will provide a sweeter flavour.
Commonly mistaken with…
While they don’t have many lookalikes there is what many call the false dandelion or flatweed.
Common name: Cats Ear
Latin: Hypochaeris Radicata
While the flowers are very similar, this plant does not have a hollow stem like a Dandelion nor the signature long jagged leaf for eating.
Not to worry if you have foraged a Cats Ear instead of a Dandelion as they are non-toxic and completely safe to eat as well – they just won’t taste as good!
Happy picking!