Taraxacum japonicum

Physical Characteristics

Taraxacum japonicum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). 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.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Edible Uses: Coffee Tea Leaves - raw or cooked[174, 177]. The roasted root is a coffee substitute[177]. The following uses are also probably applicable to this species, though we have no records for them[K] 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]. A pleasant tea is made from the flowers. The leaves and the roots can also be used to make tea.

Medicinal Uses

Cholagogue Diuretic Galactogogue Skin Stomachic Tonic Cholagogue, diuretic, galactogogue, skin, stomachic, tonic[174].

Known Hazards

None known