Dandelion

Category: wildflowers

Growing

📍 Zone: 3-10
🌞 Sun: Full sun to partial shade
💧 Water: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
🌱 Soil: Adaptable; prefers fertile, well-drained soil but grows in poor, compacted soils too

📏 Height: 6-18 inches (depending on conditions)
📏 Spacing: Let grow naturally or thin to 6-12 inches if cultivating
📅 When To Plant: Any time (self-seeds readily); sow in spring if intentionally growing
🌱 Propagation: Primarily by seed; roots can also regenerate new plants
⬇️ Depth: Surface sow or barely cover seeds (~1/8 inch)
🤝 Companion:
- 0: Fruit trees (dynamic accumulator)
- 1: Clover
- 2: Comfrey
🚫 Avoid Planting Near:

⏰ When To Harvest: Leaves: early spring (young leaves less bitter); Flowers: when fully open; Roots: fall for medicinal use
✋ How To Harvest: Pick leaves by hand or with scissors; pull flowers; dig roots carefully
🥫 Preservation: Leaves and flowers: dry or freeze; Roots: dry for tea or tinctures
⚠️ Edible Or Toxic: Entire plant edible; safe when harvested from clean areas (avoid contaminated soils or sprayed lawns)
🍴 Culinary: Young leaves in salads or sautéed; flowers for fritters, wine, or syrup; roasted roots as coffee substitute
💊 Medicinal:
- Liver & Gallbladder Support: Roots traditionally used as a detoxifying tonic; supports bile production and liver health.
- Digestive Aid: Bitters in leaves and roots stimulate appetite and digestion.
- Diuretic: Known as a natural diuretic (the name 'pissenlit' in French means 'wet the bed').
- Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant: Modern studies show potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
🌸 Aromatic: Mild earthy aroma; not typically used for fragrance

🐝 Pollinators:
- 0: Bees
- 1: Hoverflies
- 2: Butterflies
🦌 Wildlife Resistance: Not typically browsed; deer may nibble foliage in absence of other food