What many consider to be an obnoxious weed is actually a versatile herb that many gardeners enjoy in their herb gardens! Dandelion seeds will grow everywhere, and they are easy to establish and maintain. The leaves are dark green, long and lance-shaped. The Dandelion herb plant grows from a tightly formed rosette and has a deep, twisted tap root that is rather brittle and breaks easily. The yellow flower is well-recognized and grows on hallow stems that reach 4 to 12 inches in height.
Dandelion herbs are a widely used in the kitchen. The leaves are best when they are tender in the spring and again in the fall. They are packed with nutrients like vitamins, beta-carotene, iron and other minerals. Dandelion leaves are often added to tossed salads and the taste is very complementary to other greens. The leaves can also be steamed or sauteed with other vegetables for a side dish. The flowers are used in wine making, and the taproot is edible as well. A perennial plant for zones 3-8.