Taraxacum platycarpum

Physical Characteristics

Taraxacum platycarpum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). 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. Japan..

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Edible Uses: Coffee Tea Leaves - raw or cooked[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. The root is dried and roasted to make a coffee substitute.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known