Dahlia, Pinnate dahlia

Dahlia rosea

Physical Characteristics

Dahlia rosea is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Southern N. America - Mexico.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Root Edible Uses: Condiment Sweetener The flower petals are used in salads[2]. Root - cooked and used as a vegetable[61, 105]. A bitter flavour[200]. Inedible according to another report[2]. A sweet extract of the tuber, called 'dacopa', is used as a beverage or as a flavouring. It is mixed with hot or cold water and sprinkled on ice cream. Its naturally sweet mellow taste is said to combine the characteristics of coffee, tea and chocolate[183]. The root is rich in the starch inulin. Whilst not absorbed by the body, this starch can be converted into fructose, a sweetening substance suitable for diabetics to use[4, 61].

Medicinal Uses

Miscellany A valuable and much needed drug was extracted from dahlia roots during the first world war[4]. No more information was given in the report[K].

Known Hazards

None known