Plant Details

Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion, Kukraundha, Kanphool

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Taraxacum officinale.

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Common names

5 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Dandelion
  • Kanphool
  • Kukraundha
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Paardenbloem
French
  • Pissenlit
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Taraxacum officinale
Botanical family: Asteraceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Taraxacum (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Dandelion, Kukraundha, Kanphool
Images: Google Images

Plant characteristics

Layer: Herbaceous
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 0.50 m
Spread: 0.30 m
Growth rate: Fast
Foliage: None

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 5-9
Soil moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Leaves, Flowers, Coffee, Root, Tea
Edibility rating:
(4)
Medicinal rating:
(3)
Functions:
Bee forage, Fragrant

Description

The leaves of this plant can be eaten both raw and cooked. In salads, they are usually bitter, especially in winter. Young and tender leaves are less bitter than older leaves. Blanching them before use can help reduce the bitterness, but it may also decrease the amount of vitamins and minerals. The roots of the plant can also be eaten raw or cooked and have a bitter, turnip-like flavor. The flowers of this plant can be eaten both raw and cooked. They have a fairly bitter taste. The flower buds can be used for fritters and can be preserved in vinegar, allowing them to serve as capers. Both the leaves and the roots are used for flavoring beers and soft drinks, such as 'Dandelion and Burdock'. The roots of two-year-old plants are harvested in the fall, dried, and roasted to make a good caffeine-free coffee substitute. A pleasant tea can also be made from the flowers. These can also be used to make wine, with all green parts needing to be removed to avoid a bitter taste. The leaves and roots can also be used to brew tea.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 15/04
Harvest ends: 15/05

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 558186; name ID 3134293; Taraxacum F.H.Wigg.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.