Taraxacum officinale

Alternate, hairless, clasping leaves only in a rosette.

Seeds germinate easily when fresh with some after-ripening occurring during dry storage. Germination appears to be highest at an alternating temperature of 68-86 degrees F (20-30 C) (Maguire and Overland 1959). Viability diminishes rapidly unless seeds are stored dry in cold conditions (Crocker and Barton 1953).

A widely naturalized exotic that is locally abundant in lawns, roadsides and other disturbed places. It is found throughout Louisiana and Texas except in the extreme coastal areas. Dandelion is a troublesome lawn weed. Its leaves may be eaten as a pot herb when young and its flowers may be eaten fresh or cooked (Chase 1965).

Lawns, roadsides, disturbed places, waste places.

The flowers are used to make the famous "dandelion wine" of song and literature. Its leaves may be eaten as a pot herb when young and its flowers may be eaten fresh or cooked (Chase 1965). The flowers are used to make the famous "dandelion wine" of song and literature. A close relative of chicory, the taproot was roasted and used as a coffee substitute during the civil war. The Acadians call it by its old European name "pissenlit," which is said to result from its diuretic properties (Holmes 1990).