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Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Distribution:
Widespread and abundant throughout Britain.
Habitat:
Pastures, meadows, lawns, roadsides and waste places in sunny
situations.
Description:
Native perennial of short height (up to 20cm) with bright yellow
sun-like flowers throughout the year, but in greatest profusion from
April to June. The flowers
are followed by downy fruiting heads known as 'dandelion clocks'.
Children have long told the time by counting the number of puffs
needed to blow away all the fruits on the 'dandelion clocks'!
Uses:
Dandelion drinks and broths were recommended for a variety of
illnesses in the past, ranging from jaundice to consumption.
The young leaves are still used in salads and are high in
vitamins A and C. The
flowers can be used to make a country wine, and the dried and ground
roots can be used as a coffee substitute.
Sowing Instructions for Seeds:
Sow seed in
spring in a greenhouse or cold frame. When the seedlings are large
enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots.
Plant the seedlings out into their final position in summer.
Our
plants and seeds are of native British origin.
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