Taraxacum albidum

Physical Characteristics

Taraxacum albidum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from March to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - C. and S. Japan, Korea.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Edible Uses: Coffee Tea Leaves - raw or cooked[177, 183]. A rather bitter flavour, though it is a good tonic for the digestive system. Root - cooked[183]. Flowers - raw or cooked[183]. The unopened flower buds can be used in fritters[183]. The whole plant is dried and used as a tea[177, 183]. The root is dried and roasted to make a coffee substitute. A pleasant tea is made from the flowers. The leaves and the roots can also be used to make tea.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known