Herbs · Everyday herb

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale · also called Lion's tooth · planet: Jupiter

A common sunny weed with golden flowers and fluffy seed heads, one of the earliest food sources for bees in spring.

In the garden

Anywhere. Leave some in the lawn for bees, and cut the flowers before seeding if you want fewer of them.

In the kitchen

Use young leaves in salads or sauteed greens, petals in fritters and wine, and roast the root for a coffee substitute. Pick only from places never sprayed.

Take care

• People allergic to daisies, ragweed or chrysanthemums can react.
• If you take medicines (especially water pills or lithium), ask a pharmacist before using it regularly.

Folklore and garden information only, not medical advice. Do not eat or use any plant unless you are certain what it is and that it is safe for you. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, on medicine, or choosing for children or pets.

Where to buy

Dried herb

• Mountain Rose Herbs Organic dried herbs and botanicals.
• Starwest Botanicals Bulk dried herbs, spices and teas.

Seeds

• Botanical Interests Seed packets for herb and flower gardens.
• Burpee Seeds and young plants.
• Park Seed Seeds and live plants. Search for the herb once you are on their site.

Live plants

• Burpee Seeds and young plants.
• Park Seed Seeds and live plants. Search for the herb once you are on their site.

These links go to the seller websites themselves. We are not paid for them.