A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Taraxacum officinale
While the dandelion is considered a weed by most gardeners and lawn owners, the plant has several culinary uses. The specific name officinalis refers to its value as a medicinal herb, and is derived from the word opificina, later officina, meaning a workshop or pharmacy. The flowers are used to make dandelion wine, the greens are used in salads, the roots have been used to make a coffee-like drink and the plant was used by Native Americans as a food and medicine.
I agree with what you are saying but I think that is a Hawkweed based on the main ovary in the middle and the look of the stamens. It's a common mix up, I didn't even know Hawkweed existed until today. Like taraxicum it is a introduced species from Europe. I'm not sure if it is as edible as the dandelion but to some degree I've read it is. You can also fry dandelion roots and eat them, I've yet to try that though.
Good shot and happy hunting!
Spotted on Oct 10, 2010
Submitted on Aug 18, 2011
