Dandelion species - how many are there and what are the differences?

Dandelion: Types and Their Common Characteristics

More than 400 species worldwide

There are more than 400 species of dandelion worldwide! The species belong to the sunflower plant family. Dandelions can be found in our latitudes as well as in the tropics and the Arctic. But the majority, such as the bog dandelion and the Silesian dandelion, are located in temperate zones.

Features that all species of dandelion have in common

All dandelion species have the typical serrated leaves, the yellow cup-shaped flowers and the fluffy seed heads. Here are some other common features:

perennial
herbaceous
edible
5 to 40 cm high
contain white milky juice
have taproots
Leaves stand together in rosettes

Differences of species

There are species whose flowers are smaller or larger, are somewhat whitish in color or have a hint of orange. Other flowers are less filled with ray florets. The seed heads are usually similar. Only the individual 'umbrellas' can differ in length and shape.

The most obvious are the differences in the leaves of the individual species. There are species with extremely narrow and long leaves. The leaves can be strongly toothed or almost smooth-edged. Their color can be light green or deep dark green. Their end can taper to a point or be more rounded.

The most important species in this country: the common dandelion

While hardly anyone knows the swamp dandelion, the hook dandelion, the bog dandelion, the Silesian dandelion or the Russian dandelion, the common dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) is extremely well known. It is the most common in this country.

The common dandelion, which is often grown in Germany, has the following characteristics: