Taraxacum hybernum

Steven.

Asteraceae Edible: Flowers, Leaves, Root 77 iNaturalist observations

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iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Taraxacum hybernum, also known as krim-saghyz, or Autumn dandelion, is a perennial species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. In dry spring it produces only a rosette of leaves. In the wild, it blooms in spring or autumn, depending on moisture conditions, as a cultivated plant it has been reported to have two flowerings in one season.

Description

A perennial plant with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. Self-fertile and adaptable to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acidic to basic soil pH and can establish in saline conditions. Grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist soil.

Edible Uses

Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. The root is also edible when cooked, and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked — unopened buds are suitable for fritters. The dried whole plant makes a tea, and a pleasant tea can be brewed from the flowers alone; leaves and roots can similarly be used for tea. The root is dried and roasted to serve as a coffee substitute. Note that specific records for this species are limited, and several of these uses are inferred from closely related taxa.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are eaten fresh in salads and also cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a Mediterranean climate plant.

Where It Grows

Balkans, Europe, Italy, Mediterranean, Turkey, Türkiye,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. This species is cultivated in Russia for the latex in its root. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a well-drained humus-rich soil in full sun or light shade. Many species in this genus produce their seed apomictically. This is an asexual method of seed production where each seed is genetically identical to the parent plant. Occasionally seed is produced sexually, the resulting seedlings are somewhat different to the parent plants and if these plants are sufficiently distinct from the parents and then produce apomictic seedlings these seedlings are, in theory at least, a new species.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in a cold frame, either surface-sowing or covering only very lightly; keep the compost consistently moist. Germination typically occurs within two weeks. Prick seedlings into individual pots deep enough to accommodate the taproot, then plant out in early summer. The plant can also be propagated by division in early spring as growth resumes.

Other Uses

A latex obtained by macerating the root can be used to produce a high-quality rubber.

Notes

There are 50-60 Taraxacum species.

Also Known As

Karahindibağ, Radika, Üfleme otu

References (2)

Özdemir, E. and Kültür, S., 2017, Wild Edible Plants of Savaştepe District (Balıkesir, Turkey), Marmara Pharm J 21/3: 578-589
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/