Edge/ Common Dandelion

COMMON NAME: Common Dandelion

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Blowball, Cankerwort, Lion’s Tooth, Priest’s Crown, Swine Snout, Wild Endive

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Taraxacum officinale

FAMILY: Asteraceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Naturalized; Native of Eurasia

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 4 to 6 inches

FLOWERING TIME: April to December

FRUITING TIME: April to December

DISTRIBUTION: Throughout the United States ~ Statewide in NJ as a weed

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Ground-hugging basal rosette of leaves reaching up to nine inches in diameter ~ Large regenerating tap root ~ A single stalk emerges from the center of the rosette, grows to 3 to 9 inches, and exudes a milky juice when cut ~ A bullet-shaped bud forms at the top of the stalk and burst open into yellow flower ~ After 7 to 10 days, the flower changes into a light-gray ball of fuzzy fruits which float in wind

GENERAL INFORMATION: The 1998 edition of the Physician’s Desk Reference for Herbal Medicine reports that Dandelion has been used to treat indigestion, urinary tract infection, kidney and bladder stones, liver and gallbladder complaints and loss of appetite.  The plant has strong diuretic properties. Some claim that the word dandelion is derived from the French “dent de lion” which translates to lion’s tooth and refers to the jagged-edged leaves.  Others note that in France, the lion was considered a symbol of the sun and the dandelion flower is sun-like.  Because of its strong diuretic properties, it was also named “piss-a-bed”. Young leaves of the Common Dandelion can be used in salad or as cooked greens.  The flowerbuds can be boiled and served with butter as cooked vegetable, pickled or dipped in batter and fried as fitters.  The root can be baked until brown, ground and prepare as  coffee. Flowers can be fermented to make wine.  Common Dandelion leaves are very high in vitamin A and also contain vitamin C, calcium and potassium.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.