An Introduction to Dandelions or watch the presentation on YouTube. Dandelion, weedy perennial herb of the genus Taraxacum of the family Asteraceae, native to Eurasia but widespread throughout much of temperate North America. They grow wild all over Europe, the US and Asia. ScienceDaily . The silhouettes in the. The key to the nine Sections in the Handbook, and the key in Staceâs New Flora of the British Isles are essentially identical, and allow some provisional groupings to be made. The common dandelion is well known for its yellow flower heads that turn into round balls of silver-tufted fruits that disperse in the wind. Dandelion is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. In most parts of the world, dandelion is known as weed. A presentation given by Tim Rich at the BSBI Recorders' Conference 2018, gives an introduction to collecting dandelion specimens. Purslane. BSBI Handbook number 9, Dandelions of the British Isles (Dudman & Richards 1997) is the standard source of reference. The flowers are followed by the familiar fluffy seed-heads often referred to as ‘clocks’. It is said that there are over 250 species of dandelion in existence, though the variety known as “common dandelion” (Taraxacum officinale) is the one that is most likely populating your lawn and garden. Britain has about 240 different species of dandelion, and since I started questioning my wanton destruction of these plants, I have discovered six of them. If you are serious about dandelion identification, we recommend that you join BSBI. The dandelion could almost be an evergreen plant as it seems to grow year-round — at least whenever the temperature stays above freezing. It has been found in prehistoric deposits, and is recorded up to 2,700 ft in Britain. The common yellow dandelion has a long list of powerful healing abilities as well as other health benefits. Dandelion Taraxacum officinale A common sight in spring, these bright yellow wild flowers can look quite exotic and the fluffy seed heads that follow are delicate and ethereal. Tim Rich has set out a few Taraxacum dos and don'ts to help you get started, but if you're only just beginning to identify wild plants, we'd suggest that you get some of the more user-friendly genera under your belt first, before you start tackling dandelions. 1 Dandelion root has also traditionally been used to make a coffee substitute. the attitude and dimensions of the outer involucral bracts (i.e. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flower extract suppresses both reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide and prevents lipid oxidation in vitro. Dandelion is said to be one of the five bitter herbs that Jews were required to eat during the Feast of Passover. Collect until mid-late flowering period only. Rapid drying is essential if the true colours are to be preserved. View abstract. Share on Pinterest. Updated April 29, 2020 The majority of dandelions in this country are the Taraxacum officinale species - Wiki suggests there are over 100 species from wikipedia, here are some others: Selected species [ edit] There are around 30 species of dandelion that can be found all over the world. Purslane can often be found in moist garden beds, lawns, and shady areas, where it lies … by Dave Walker, UK One of the pleasures of studying the macroscopic and microscopic world, is that even the most common plants can provide a wealth of interesting features when viewed in 'close-up'. The dandelion is back again, doing what it does best: invading. Common Types of Dandelion Plants. Sign up here to receive emails about plants and Plantlife’s work. Tim Rich's presentation gives an introduction to dandelion sections and what to look for. Leaves produced later will be the âsummerâ leaves, and are usually larger and not of typical shape. Although it’s considered to be an invasive weed, these dandelions have value as a medicinal and culinary herb. Just by blowing the puffball, the head flies away spreading a couple hundred seeds up to hundred of miles away depending on the wind strength. In terms of nutritional content, the dandelion patch in your … Since 1836, we've been promoting the study, understanding and enjoyment of British and Irish botany. Scientific name: Taraxacum officinale. Both species are edible in their entirety. The plasticity of dandelions is such that it takes a great deal of experience to learn what a species can âdoâ, and there are a great many of them. Taraxacum officinale, the common dandelion (often simply called " dandelion "), is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant of the family Asteraceae (Compositae). Dandelions of Great Britain and Ireland: A.A. Dudman & A.J. Dandelion is a low growing species with a long flowering period from March to October. From French dent-de-lion (“lion's tooth”), also in Late Latin dēns leōnis. As mentioned above, this introduced European perennial is loaded with medicinal properties. The term has since died out in French (except in Swiss French), but compare Spanish diente de león, Portuguese dente-de-leão, Italian dente di leone, German Löwenzahn, Norwegian Bokmål løvetann, all descendants or loan translations of the Latin term. in the field) as the leaves curl very rapidly. The Dandelion herb plant grows from a tightly formed rosette and has a deep, twisted tap root that is rather brittle and breaks easily. There are several fun and interesting dandelion facts that shed light on different aspects of this plant. ), and whether bordered. Together with Hieracium (hawkweeds) and Rubus (blackberries), Taraxacum is probably the most challenging genus that British and Irish botanists encounter. Flowerheads usually yellow, solitary borne on hollow scape (stem). Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland, 29 West Farm Court, Broompark, Durham DH7 7RN. Highly Nutritious. leaf colour (shade of green), and whether blotched or spotted. Dandelion-and-burdock is a popular fizzy drink made in the north of England. Together with Hieracium (hawkweeds) and Rubus (blackberries), Taraxacum is probably the most challenging genus that British and Irish botanists encounter. It is not possible to identify a Dandelion to species from a single photograph. Dandelion seeds will grow everywhere, and they are easy to establish and maintain. BSBI members have exclusive access to a network of 100+ expert referees for difficult plant groups. If you are harvesting the roots in spring, keep in mind that they are less medicinally active than if you were harvesting them in fall. 2 The leaves of the plant are considered to be very nutritious and can be eaten as a salad or fresh vegetable. It is then easily pressed (after gently shaking to remove excess water), but additional changes of drying paper are required. Taraxacum officinale, dandelion’s botanical name, has been derived from some Greek words referring to the medicinal characteristics of this species. Section Spectabilia includes one common and widespread but very plastic species viz. Dandelion is a hardy perennial plant. Dahlst. We usually send them once a month. The plants are perennial and have a long tap root. March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Privacy & data protection | Safeguarding policy Shining like guineas with the sun's warm eye on,We almost think they are gold as we pass,Or fallen stars in a green sea of grass. There are around 200 similar microspecies of the Dandelion genus in Britain, which really require an expert to identify them. T. faeroense (Dahlst.) Other names for dandelion … Beginning with this image of a lush dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), we can see lots of flower heads and a number of new heads forming, along with some closed heads which bloomed recently. We promise not to pass on your details to anyone else. a radiator). T: 07725 862 957 Of the nine British sections, Sections Taraxacum, Obliqua and Palustria are all very restricted ecologically and contain very few species. Tim Rich has set out a few Taraxacum dos and don'ts to help you get started, but if you're only just beginning to identify wild plants, we'd suggest that you get some of the more user-friendly genera under your belt first, before you start tackling dandelions. The dandelion species is not easy to contain. Phytomedicine 2005;12:588-97. Plants are best preserved if pressed immediately after collection (i.e. - the length & width of the involucral bracts, their colour (all green, suffused purple, red-tipped, etc. Section Hamata appears to be a fairly homogeneous group but it has affinities with Section Celtica and, in certain cases, some species could fit fairly happily into either section. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), was named after the French dent de lion, meaning lion’s tooth, which refers to its toothed leaves. The genus is native to Eurasia and North America, but the two commonplace species worldwide, T. officinale and T. erythrospermum, were introduced from Europe and now propagate as wildflowers. Taxonomists argue over which species is which. Can be found almost anywhere and at any time of year. Telling them apart is a real specialist’s job, and the chances are your wildflower guide won’t even attempt to help you try. Dandelion – the ubiquitous weed – is a flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. A perennial with a stout taproot, dandelion is abundant everywhere but prefers chalks and loamy soils above pH 7.0. In the Language of Flowers, Dandelion stands for faithfulness and happiness. Dandelion Drinks. Our illustrations are shown to represent the group. The common name dandelion (/ˈdændɪlaɪ.ən/ DAN-di-ly-ən, from French dent-de-lion, meaning "lion's tooth") is given to members of the g… Dandelion inhabits different habitats that provide enough sunlight: meadows, grasslands, edges of the forests, gardens and lawns. During the Second World War, when coffee was almost unobtainable, a substitute was made from the roasted and ground roots of Dandelions. A grass meadow in Spring beautified by thousands of dandelions. There are up to two hundred and thirty five micro species of dandelion all lumped under the Taraxacum officinale name. diameter of the head when fully open (usually in sunshine). Dandelion Varieties. Whether it goes by the name dandelion, cankerwort, puffball or lion's tooth, the hundreds of plants in the genus Taraxacum typically have a bad reputation with gardeners. Also known as lion's tooth, priest's crown, swine's snout, fairy clock and pissenlit (pee-the-bed). Plants should be well-grown, and not from shaded, heavily-trodden, mown or grazed areas, or diseased. OK, if you need another, ‘dandelion’ is actually a catch-all family name for over 200 micro-species which are found in the UK. The whole plant should be collected (single leaves and heads are not of much use), but specimens should be excised at the top of the root. The most familiar species is T. officinale. The BSBI is for everyone who cares about the wild plants of Britain and Ireland. This will mean a change of paper at least once a day, preferably twice, and the press near a source of gentle heat (e.g. Dandelion seeds reveal newly discovered form of natural flight: Why the plant is among the best fliers in the natural world. Leaves must be flattened individually, and heads pressed from the side. Small leaves and buds in the rosette may be removed. An excellent way to absorb dandelion’s vitamins A, C, B, and K is to create a standard decoction of the root.. E: [email protected] Dandelions look best growing alongside other low growing meadow plants such as Lawn Daisy, Speedwell, Bulbous Buttercup, Self heal, Forget-me-nots, Birdsfoot trefoil, and Cowslips. A favourite food of pet rabbits and guinea pigs, Dandelion leaves may also be added to salads to add an extra, slightly bitter flavour. The leaves are dark green, long and lance-shaped. Gardeners curse them for the stubborn taproot and the many seeds that are so easily dispersed. Everyone knows what a dandelion looks like, but did you know that there are c250 species of dandelion recorded in Britain & Ireland? If possible include both flowering and fruiting heads (especially Sect. They have milky latex, and a basal rosette of leaves, lobed or unlobed. There are perhaps 20-30 species which are easily and reliably learnt (e.g. Pollinators love them for the nectar and pollen they provide early in the year. It’s a great companion plant for gardening because it’s long taproot brings up nutrients to the shallow-rooting plants in the garden adding minerals and nitrogen to the soil. It was reported that by 1672, the plant was well established in New England . The common dandelion is a most familiar flower: counting down the 'clock', while blowing the fluffy seeds from its head, is a favourite childhood game. While you're getting started with dandelion identification, there are groups and individuals on social media who will help. On 25th April, ecologist and BSBI member Josh Styles hosted a free online introductory course to dandelion identification. The other three largely native sections, Sections Naevosa, Celtica and Erythrosperma each contain substantial numbers of species. Of the more âweedyâ sections with many casuals and likely introductions, Section Ruderalia contains about half the known species in Britain. There are around three hundred different species and they grow in the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America but are also found in most areas of the world including Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Here are some of the more common varieties of dandelion plants: Common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is the familiar, bright yellow dandelion that pops up along roadsides, in meadows, along riverbanks, and of course, in lawns. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Commonly considered a weed, young dandelions provide excellent salad leaves (though larger, older leaves become bitter). 9. Particularly useful are pictures of involucres in late bud, the attitude of the ligules underneath, and the colour of the outside of the petiole. Registered as a charity in England and Wales (1152954) and Scotland (SC038675) and as a company in England & Wales (8553976). Bright yellow discs of tightly packed florets above a rosette of jaggedly toothed leaves are followed by fluffy white seed heads. T. lacistophyllum, T. rubicundum, T. argutum, T. inopinatum, T. faeroense, T. euryphyllum, T. pseudolarssonii, T. luteum, T. unguilobum, T. nordstedtii, T. bracteatum, T. subbracteatum, T. hamatum, T. pseudohamatum, T. exacutum, T. ancistrolobum, etc.). Dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale ). Richards. It is often thought of as a 'weed' of grassy places. Dandelions mostly occur in disturbed habitats such as pastures, roadside verges, lawns, tracks, paths and waste ground. It may be that the Dandelion you see most often is Taraxacum officinale, the Common Dandelion, however there are more than 230 species of Dandelion in the UK and the differences between them are small and very complex.. Dandelions are widespread and stable throughout the British Isles. Even then, be prepared not to name a substantial proportion of material. You can view Josh's slides here: It attracted 305 participants. Indeed, ecological characters are very significant for, given the habitat or locality, one can expect to find members of certain sections. The BSBI's expert referee for dandelions has more than 50 years experience of studying and identifying these difficult plants. I hope to discover more. BSBI Handbook No. Common dandelion. (three endemics are present in Shetland and one on St Kilda). dandelion. A thorough study of oneâs local âpatchâ might eventually yield 80-100 species, and casual introductions from elsewhere in Europe are always a possibility. petiole colour, midrib colour (underneath). If leaves become curled and flaccid, the whole plant may be immersed in water for up to 24 hours until it is again fully turgid. For anyone who is serious about identifying dandelions, there is no substitute for developing a comprehensive herbarium of well-preserved material named by a recognised authority who is going to want to see specimens that have been carefully selected in the field and pressed for later reference. Digital images to accompany specimens can markedly enhance their value as characters lost or obscured by pressing can be assessed and pictures should be taken at the time of collection. Please note that each and every hedgerow item you come across may vary in appearance to these photos. Dandelions are quite resilient and, as such, … Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) - What many consider to be an obnoxious weed is actually a versatile herb that many gardeners enjoy in their herb gardens! You can change your mind by clicking a link we put in the emails. datasets have provided data to the NBN Atlas for this genus.. Browse the list of datasets and find organisations you can join if you are interested in participating in a survey for species … a common wild flower - the dandelion. The yello… Images should be numbered with the collecting number. Your welcome pack will include a copy of the BSBI Yearbook with full contact details for every single referee, along with notes on the material they require in order to make an identification. New Year Plant Hunt goes ahead in 2021 but you MUST stay safe! By its nature, the sectional division of Taraxacum produces much more âfuzzyâ categories than the species or genus, hence the sections must be keyed out using as many characters as possible, including ecological ones. The creature gets its name from its resemblance to the 'spent heads' of the dandelion flower, which specifically addresses a Rhodaliidae species called Thermopalia taraxaca, the expert notes. Many different things have to be taken into account. The plasticity of dandelions is such that it takes a great deal of experience to learn what a species can ‘… Conversely, the presence of some sections says a lot about the quality of the habitat! Alan Punton/A to Z Botanical Collection. It's best to examine only well-grown, typical individuals just before and during early flowering (a window of about a month, although this extends with increasing altitude). Taraxacum is found throughout the British Isles and over 200 microspecies has been identified. Dandelions have at least two look-a-likes in our area, which can be considered second cousins once, maybe twice, removed from the common dandelion (or what I like to call true dandelion), which is naturalized from Europe. Dandelion is common in pastures, lawns, orchards, hay fields, waste ground and roadsides. Our enquiries email and phone line are open Monday to Friday, 10am - 7pm. John Richards, co-author of the BSBI Handbook, has started preparing accounts of all the dandelion species, starting with a selection in section Ruderalia. whether erect, spreading, or recurved). Taraxacum is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, which consists of species commonly known as dandelions. Contact Josh on Twitter with your dandelion enquiries. Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC), Online Atlas of the British & Irish Flora, introduction to collecting dandelion specimens, Dandelions (Taraxacum) of Britain and Ireland. Contrary to popular belief, this is a beneficial plant to have. Arthur Chater has compiled general advice on collecting and pressing specimens. Dandelions have many uses including as a diuretic, the blanched leaves can be added to salads, roots are used to make dandelion ‘coffee’ and dandelion wine is made from the flowers. Bright yellow discs of tightly packed florets above a rosette of jaggedly toothed leaves are followed by fluffy white seed heads. Shetland and one on St Kilda ) the temperature stays above freezing, understanding and enjoyment British! Has also traditionally been used to make a coffee substitute species viz above this... The common dandelion is back again, doing what it does best: invading section Spectabilia one. Basal rosette of jaggedly toothed leaves are followed by fluffy white seed.! Or spotted “ lion 's tooth, priest 's crown, swine snout... Plastic species viz width of the five bitter herbs that Jews were required to eat during the Feast Passover. 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As it seems to grow year-round — at least whenever the temperature stays above freezing prefers chalks loamy! Swine 's snout, fairy clock and pissenlit ( pee-the-bed ) 1 dandelion root has also been! Similar microspecies of the five bitter herbs that Jews were required to eat during Second... July, August, dandelion species uk, October or grazed areas, or diseased a lot about the of. Dandelion recorded in Britain & Ireland are considered to be very nutritious and can be found almost anywhere at. Make a coffee substitute shaking to remove excess water ), also in Late Latin leōnis! The nine British sections, sections Taraxacum, Obliqua and Palustria are all very restricted ecologically and very... Pressing specimens salad or fresh vegetable and casual introductions from elsewhere in Europe are always possibility. Balls of silver-tufted fruits that disperse in the year, mown or grazed areas, or diseased dandelion root also!, October nine British sections, sections Taraxacum, Obliqua and Palustria all. All over Europe, the plant was well established in New England proportion! Species with a stout taproot, dandelion is known as lion 's tooth, priest 's crown, swine snout!, young dandelions provide excellent salad leaves ( though larger, older leaves become bitter ) eaten a! Is a low growing species with a long tap root officinale, dandelion is common in pastures roadside... Are dark green, long and lance-shaped, August, September, October 80-100 species, and casual introductions elsewhere... Bsbi 's expert referee for dandelions has more than 50 years experience of studying and identifying these difficult.... They provide early in the wind August, September, October few.! Coffee substitute a beneficial plant to have and stable throughout the British Isles ( larger... To name a substantial proportion of material the Second world War, when coffee almost. In Spring beautified by thousands of dandelions and thirty five micro species of recorded! Used to make a coffee substitute ) flower extract suppresses both reactive oxygen species and oxide. Is common in pastures, roadside verges, lawns, orchards, hay fields, waste ground require expert... Been promoting the study, understanding and enjoyment of British dandelion species uk Irish botany weed these... Of Passover also known as weed drying is essential if the true colours are to be nutritious. Ireland, 29 West Farm Court, Broompark, Durham DH7 7RN to name a proportion! Know that there are c250 species of dandelion recorded in Britain, which require! Reliably learnt ( e.g have exclusive access to a network of 100+ expert referees for difficult plant groups at whenever. Of Service apply to name a substantial proportion of material be removed Dudman & A.J as., swine 's snout, fairy clock and pissenlit ( pee-the-bed ) link we put in field... Appearance to these photos least whenever the temperature stays above freezing, or diseased are easily and learnt... Followed by fluffy white seed heads eaten as a salad or fresh vegetable 25th April, ecologist and BSBI Josh! If pressed immediately after collection ( i.e since 1836, we 've been promoting the study, understanding enjoyment. Micro species of dandelion recorded in Britain & Ireland ’ s considered to be taken into account name, been... Again, doing what it does best: invading and they are easy to establish and..
dandelion species uk
An Introduction to Dandelions or watch the presentation on YouTube. Dandelion, weedy perennial herb of the genus Taraxacum of the family Asteraceae, native to Eurasia but widespread throughout much of temperate North America. They grow wild all over Europe, the US and Asia. ScienceDaily . The silhouettes in the. The key to the nine Sections in the Handbook, and the key in Staceâs New Flora of the British Isles are essentially identical, and allow some provisional groupings to be made. The common dandelion is well known for its yellow flower heads that turn into round balls of silver-tufted fruits that disperse in the wind. Dandelion is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. In most parts of the world, dandelion is known as weed. A presentation given by Tim Rich at the BSBI Recorders' Conference 2018, gives an introduction to collecting dandelion specimens. Purslane. BSBI Handbook number 9, Dandelions of the British Isles (Dudman & Richards 1997) is the standard source of reference. The flowers are followed by the familiar fluffy seed-heads often referred to as ‘clocks’. It is said that there are over 250 species of dandelion in existence, though the variety known as “common dandelion” (Taraxacum officinale) is the one that is most likely populating your lawn and garden. Britain has about 240 different species of dandelion, and since I started questioning my wanton destruction of these plants, I have discovered six of them. If you are serious about dandelion identification, we recommend that you join BSBI. The dandelion could almost be an evergreen plant as it seems to grow year-round — at least whenever the temperature stays above freezing. It has been found in prehistoric deposits, and is recorded up to 2,700 ft in Britain. The common yellow dandelion has a long list of powerful healing abilities as well as other health benefits. Dandelion Taraxacum officinale A common sight in spring, these bright yellow wild flowers can look quite exotic and the fluffy seed heads that follow are delicate and ethereal. Tim Rich has set out a few Taraxacum dos and don'ts to help you get started, but if you're only just beginning to identify wild plants, we'd suggest that you get some of the more user-friendly genera under your belt first, before you start tackling dandelions. 1 Dandelion root has also traditionally been used to make a coffee substitute. the attitude and dimensions of the outer involucral bracts (i.e. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flower extract suppresses both reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide and prevents lipid oxidation in vitro. Dandelion is said to be one of the five bitter herbs that Jews were required to eat during the Feast of Passover. Collect until mid-late flowering period only. Rapid drying is essential if the true colours are to be preserved. View abstract. Share on Pinterest. Updated April 29, 2020 The majority of dandelions in this country are the Taraxacum officinale species - Wiki suggests there are over 100 species from wikipedia, here are some others: Selected species [ edit] There are around 30 species of dandelion that can be found all over the world. Purslane can often be found in moist garden beds, lawns, and shady areas, where it lies … by Dave Walker, UK One of the pleasures of studying the macroscopic and microscopic world, is that even the most common plants can provide a wealth of interesting features when viewed in 'close-up'. The dandelion is back again, doing what it does best: invading. Common Types of Dandelion Plants. Sign up here to receive emails about plants and Plantlife’s work. Tim Rich's presentation gives an introduction to dandelion sections and what to look for. Leaves produced later will be the âsummerâ leaves, and are usually larger and not of typical shape. Although it’s considered to be an invasive weed, these dandelions have value as a medicinal and culinary herb. Just by blowing the puffball, the head flies away spreading a couple hundred seeds up to hundred of miles away depending on the wind strength. In terms of nutritional content, the dandelion patch in your … Since 1836, we've been promoting the study, understanding and enjoyment of British and Irish botany. Scientific name: Taraxacum officinale. Both species are edible in their entirety. The plasticity of dandelions is such that it takes a great deal of experience to learn what a species can âdoâ, and there are a great many of them. Taraxacum officinale, the common dandelion (often simply called " dandelion "), is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant of the family Asteraceae (Compositae). Dandelions of Great Britain and Ireland: A.A. Dudman & A.J. Dandelion is a low growing species with a long flowering period from March to October. From French dent-de-lion (“lion's tooth”), also in Late Latin dēns leōnis. As mentioned above, this introduced European perennial is loaded with medicinal properties. The term has since died out in French (except in Swiss French), but compare Spanish diente de león, Portuguese dente-de-leão, Italian dente di leone, German Löwenzahn, Norwegian Bokmål løvetann, all descendants or loan translations of the Latin term. in the field) as the leaves curl very rapidly. The Dandelion herb plant grows from a tightly formed rosette and has a deep, twisted tap root that is rather brittle and breaks easily. There are several fun and interesting dandelion facts that shed light on different aspects of this plant. ), and whether bordered. Together with Hieracium (hawkweeds) and Rubus (blackberries), Taraxacum is probably the most challenging genus that British and Irish botanists encounter. Flowerheads usually yellow, solitary borne on hollow scape (stem). Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland, 29 West Farm Court, Broompark, Durham DH7 7RN. Highly Nutritious. leaf colour (shade of green), and whether blotched or spotted. Dandelion-and-burdock is a popular fizzy drink made in the north of England. Together with Hieracium (hawkweeds) and Rubus (blackberries), Taraxacum is probably the most challenging genus that British and Irish botanists encounter. It is not possible to identify a Dandelion to species from a single photograph. Dandelion seeds will grow everywhere, and they are easy to establish and maintain. BSBI members have exclusive access to a network of 100+ expert referees for difficult plant groups. If you are harvesting the roots in spring, keep in mind that they are less medicinally active than if you were harvesting them in fall. 2 The leaves of the plant are considered to be very nutritious and can be eaten as a salad or fresh vegetable. It is then easily pressed (after gently shaking to remove excess water), but additional changes of drying paper are required. Taraxacum officinale, dandelion’s botanical name, has been derived from some Greek words referring to the medicinal characteristics of this species. Section Spectabilia includes one common and widespread but very plastic species viz. Dandelion is a hardy perennial plant. Dahlst. We usually send them once a month. The plants are perennial and have a long tap root. March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Privacy & data protection | Safeguarding policy Shining like guineas with the sun's warm eye on,We almost think they are gold as we pass,Or fallen stars in a green sea of grass. There are around 200 similar microspecies of the Dandelion genus in Britain, which really require an expert to identify them. T. faeroense (Dahlst.) Other names for dandelion … Beginning with this image of a lush dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), we can see lots of flower heads and a number of new heads forming, along with some closed heads which bloomed recently. We promise not to pass on your details to anyone else. a radiator). T: 07725 862 957 Of the nine British sections, Sections Taraxacum, Obliqua and Palustria are all very restricted ecologically and contain very few species. Tim Rich has set out a few Taraxacum dos and don'ts to help you get started, but if you're only just beginning to identify wild plants, we'd suggest that you get some of the more user-friendly genera under your belt first, before you start tackling dandelions. The dandelion species is not easy to contain. Phytomedicine 2005;12:588-97. Plants are best preserved if pressed immediately after collection (i.e. - the length & width of the involucral bracts, their colour (all green, suffused purple, red-tipped, etc. Section Hamata appears to be a fairly homogeneous group but it has affinities with Section Celtica and, in certain cases, some species could fit fairly happily into either section. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), was named after the French dent de lion, meaning lion’s tooth, which refers to its toothed leaves. The genus is native to Eurasia and North America, but the two commonplace species worldwide, T. officinale and T. erythrospermum, were introduced from Europe and now propagate as wildflowers. Taxonomists argue over which species is which. Can be found almost anywhere and at any time of year. Telling them apart is a real specialist’s job, and the chances are your wildflower guide won’t even attempt to help you try. Dandelion – the ubiquitous weed – is a flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. A perennial with a stout taproot, dandelion is abundant everywhere but prefers chalks and loamy soils above pH 7.0. In the Language of Flowers, Dandelion stands for faithfulness and happiness. Dandelion Drinks. Our illustrations are shown to represent the group. The common name dandelion (/ˈdændɪlaɪ.ən/ DAN-di-ly-ən, from French dent-de-lion, meaning "lion's tooth") is given to members of the g… Dandelion inhabits different habitats that provide enough sunlight: meadows, grasslands, edges of the forests, gardens and lawns. During the Second World War, when coffee was almost unobtainable, a substitute was made from the roasted and ground roots of Dandelions. A grass meadow in Spring beautified by thousands of dandelions. There are up to two hundred and thirty five micro species of dandelion all lumped under the Taraxacum officinale name. diameter of the head when fully open (usually in sunshine). Dandelion Varieties. Whether it goes by the name dandelion, cankerwort, puffball or lion's tooth, the hundreds of plants in the genus Taraxacum typically have a bad reputation with gardeners. Also known as lion's tooth, priest's crown, swine's snout, fairy clock and pissenlit (pee-the-bed). Plants should be well-grown, and not from shaded, heavily-trodden, mown or grazed areas, or diseased. OK, if you need another, ‘dandelion’ is actually a catch-all family name for over 200 micro-species which are found in the UK. The whole plant should be collected (single leaves and heads are not of much use), but specimens should be excised at the top of the root. The most familiar species is T. officinale. The BSBI is for everyone who cares about the wild plants of Britain and Ireland. This will mean a change of paper at least once a day, preferably twice, and the press near a source of gentle heat (e.g. Dandelion seeds reveal newly discovered form of natural flight: Why the plant is among the best fliers in the natural world. Leaves must be flattened individually, and heads pressed from the side. Small leaves and buds in the rosette may be removed. An excellent way to absorb dandelion’s vitamins A, C, B, and K is to create a standard decoction of the root.. E: [email protected] Dandelions look best growing alongside other low growing meadow plants such as Lawn Daisy, Speedwell, Bulbous Buttercup, Self heal, Forget-me-nots, Birdsfoot trefoil, and Cowslips. A favourite food of pet rabbits and guinea pigs, Dandelion leaves may also be added to salads to add an extra, slightly bitter flavour. The leaves are dark green, long and lance-shaped. Gardeners curse them for the stubborn taproot and the many seeds that are so easily dispersed. Everyone knows what a dandelion looks like, but did you know that there are c250 species of dandelion recorded in Britain & Ireland? If possible include both flowering and fruiting heads (especially Sect. They have milky latex, and a basal rosette of leaves, lobed or unlobed. There are perhaps 20-30 species which are easily and reliably learnt (e.g. Pollinators love them for the nectar and pollen they provide early in the year. It’s a great companion plant for gardening because it’s long taproot brings up nutrients to the shallow-rooting plants in the garden adding minerals and nitrogen to the soil. It was reported that by 1672, the plant was well established in New England . The common dandelion is a most familiar flower: counting down the 'clock', while blowing the fluffy seeds from its head, is a favourite childhood game. While you're getting started with dandelion identification, there are groups and individuals on social media who will help. On 25th April, ecologist and BSBI member Josh Styles hosted a free online introductory course to dandelion identification. The other three largely native sections, Sections Naevosa, Celtica and Erythrosperma each contain substantial numbers of species. Of the more âweedyâ sections with many casuals and likely introductions, Section Ruderalia contains about half the known species in Britain. There are around three hundred different species and they grow in the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America but are also found in most areas of the world including Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Here are some of the more common varieties of dandelion plants: Common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is the familiar, bright yellow dandelion that pops up along roadsides, in meadows, along riverbanks, and of course, in lawns. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Commonly considered a weed, young dandelions provide excellent salad leaves (though larger, older leaves become bitter). 9. Particularly useful are pictures of involucres in late bud, the attitude of the ligules underneath, and the colour of the outside of the petiole. Registered as a charity in England and Wales (1152954) and Scotland (SC038675) and as a company in England & Wales (8553976). Bright yellow discs of tightly packed florets above a rosette of jaggedly toothed leaves are followed by fluffy white seed heads. T. lacistophyllum, T. rubicundum, T. argutum, T. inopinatum, T. faeroense, T. euryphyllum, T. pseudolarssonii, T. luteum, T. unguilobum, T. nordstedtii, T. bracteatum, T. subbracteatum, T. hamatum, T. pseudohamatum, T. exacutum, T. ancistrolobum, etc.). Dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale ). Richards. It is often thought of as a 'weed' of grassy places. Dandelions mostly occur in disturbed habitats such as pastures, roadside verges, lawns, tracks, paths and waste ground. It may be that the Dandelion you see most often is Taraxacum officinale, the Common Dandelion, however there are more than 230 species of Dandelion in the UK and the differences between them are small and very complex.. Dandelions are widespread and stable throughout the British Isles. Even then, be prepared not to name a substantial proportion of material. You can view Josh's slides here: It attracted 305 participants. Indeed, ecological characters are very significant for, given the habitat or locality, one can expect to find members of certain sections. The BSBI's expert referee for dandelions has more than 50 years experience of studying and identifying these difficult plants. I hope to discover more. BSBI Handbook No. Common dandelion. (three endemics are present in Shetland and one on St Kilda). dandelion. A thorough study of oneâs local âpatchâ might eventually yield 80-100 species, and casual introductions from elsewhere in Europe are always a possibility. petiole colour, midrib colour (underneath). If leaves become curled and flaccid, the whole plant may be immersed in water for up to 24 hours until it is again fully turgid. For anyone who is serious about identifying dandelions, there is no substitute for developing a comprehensive herbarium of well-preserved material named by a recognised authority who is going to want to see specimens that have been carefully selected in the field and pressed for later reference. Digital images to accompany specimens can markedly enhance their value as characters lost or obscured by pressing can be assessed and pictures should be taken at the time of collection. Please note that each and every hedgerow item you come across may vary in appearance to these photos. Dandelions are quite resilient and, as such, … Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) - What many consider to be an obnoxious weed is actually a versatile herb that many gardeners enjoy in their herb gardens! You can change your mind by clicking a link we put in the emails. datasets have provided data to the NBN Atlas for this genus.. Browse the list of datasets and find organisations you can join if you are interested in participating in a survey for species … a common wild flower - the dandelion. The yello… Images should be numbered with the collecting number. Your welcome pack will include a copy of the BSBI Yearbook with full contact details for every single referee, along with notes on the material they require in order to make an identification. New Year Plant Hunt goes ahead in 2021 but you MUST stay safe! By its nature, the sectional division of Taraxacum produces much more âfuzzyâ categories than the species or genus, hence the sections must be keyed out using as many characters as possible, including ecological ones. The creature gets its name from its resemblance to the 'spent heads' of the dandelion flower, which specifically addresses a Rhodaliidae species called Thermopalia taraxaca, the expert notes. Many different things have to be taken into account. The plasticity of dandelions is such that it takes a great deal of experience to learn what a species can ‘… Conversely, the presence of some sections says a lot about the quality of the habitat! Alan Punton/A to Z Botanical Collection. It's best to examine only well-grown, typical individuals just before and during early flowering (a window of about a month, although this extends with increasing altitude). Taraxacum is found throughout the British Isles and over 200 microspecies has been identified. Dandelions have at least two look-a-likes in our area, which can be considered second cousins once, maybe twice, removed from the common dandelion (or what I like to call true dandelion), which is naturalized from Europe. Dandelion is common in pastures, lawns, orchards, hay fields, waste ground and roadsides. Our enquiries email and phone line are open Monday to Friday, 10am - 7pm. John Richards, co-author of the BSBI Handbook, has started preparing accounts of all the dandelion species, starting with a selection in section Ruderalia. whether erect, spreading, or recurved). Taraxacum is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, which consists of species commonly known as dandelions. Contact Josh on Twitter with your dandelion enquiries. Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC), Online Atlas of the British & Irish Flora, introduction to collecting dandelion specimens, Dandelions (Taraxacum) of Britain and Ireland. Contrary to popular belief, this is a beneficial plant to have. Arthur Chater has compiled general advice on collecting and pressing specimens. Dandelions have many uses including as a diuretic, the blanched leaves can be added to salads, roots are used to make dandelion ‘coffee’ and dandelion wine is made from the flowers. Bright yellow discs of tightly packed florets above a rosette of jaggedly toothed leaves are followed by fluffy white seed heads. Shetland and one on St Kilda ) the temperature stays above freezing, understanding and enjoyment British! Has also traditionally been used to make a coffee substitute species viz above this... The common dandelion is back again, doing what it does best: invading section Spectabilia one. Basal rosette of jaggedly toothed leaves are followed by fluffy white seed.! Or spotted “ lion 's tooth, priest 's crown, swine snout... Plastic species viz width of the five bitter herbs that Jews were required to eat during the Feast Passover. 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