The species of Taraxacum are tap-rooted, perennial, herbaceous plants. The genus contains many species, which usually reproduce by apomixis, resulting in many local populations and endemism.
In general, the leaves are 5–25 cm long, simple, lobed, and form a basal rosette above the central taproot. A rosette may produce several flowering stems at a time. The flower heads are 2–5 cm in diameter and consist entirely of ray florets.
The flower heads are yellow to orange colored, and are open in the daytime, but closed at night. The heads are borne singly on a hollow stem that is usually leafless and rises 1–10 cm above the leaves.
The flower heads mature into spherical seed heads containing many single-seeded fruits called achenes. Each achene is attached to a pappus of fine hair-like material which enables wind-aided dispersal over long distances.
The natural design of the dandelion provides the inherent tenacity required to persist in the midst of novel challenges.
Well known for it’s nutritional value, the dandelion has stood the test of time as an edible herb with potent benefits and low toxicity. Recognized by the FDA to “generally be considered safe,” it’s leaves have been used in salads, flowers in teas and roots have been roasted to develop a delicious cafe.
Just because it’s natural, does not make it appropriate for everyone to consume, so please peruse the PRECAUTIONS list for any conditions you may have, speak with your doctor, and make sure when you are harvesting the plant that it is free of poisons, pollutants and disease.
Optimal levels of these antibiotics may not be reached if using dandelion:
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), norfloxacin (Chibroxin, Noroxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), trovafloxacin (Trovan), gatifloxacin (Tequin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), and grepafloxacin (Raxar)..
Because of similar activities, levels of medications in this class may exceed the recommended dose while using dandelion:
Aspirin, celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren-XR, Zipsor, Zorvolex), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), indomethacin (Indocin), ketorolac (Toradol), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.
These Medications may have lower levels in your body while using dandelion:
Acetaminophen, atorvastatin (Lipitor), diazepam (Valium), digoxin, entacapone (Comtan), estrogen, irinotecan (Camptosar), lamotrigine (Lamictal), lorazepam (Ativan), lovastatin (Mevacor), meprobamate, morphine, oxazepam (Serax), and others.
These Medication may have higher levels in your body while using dandelion:
Lithium, amitriptyline (Elavil), haloperidol (Haldol), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), theophylline (Theo-Dur, others), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, others), and others.
Edna St. Vincent Millay, American poet *
