Dandelion: Taraxacum officinale
Common
name: dandelion
Genus/sp: Taraxacum officinale
Family: Compositae
Description:
this common weed ( any plant not wanted by humans) is common throughout
Flowering stalk when broken exudes white milky latex which may cause dermatitis
in sensitive individuals
Leaves large and spiked; root deep tap root
Flowers from March through summer
Medicinal
valueand other uses:
Leaves and flowers rich in vitamin A and C: young leaves can be eaten as salad
Used for treatment for appetite loss and dyspepsia ( fullness & flatulence)
Weak antibiotic against yeast infections
Root used to treat bile flow problems and as diuretic ( liver, kidney &
bladder ailments)
Used by
some as substitute for coffee after roasting root
Can be used for wine production
Flowering
start: March-summer
Location: Westminster, MD
Photo: E. Iglich