One of the most common weeds in the United States. This is probably in reference to the shape of the leaf. Introduced from Eurasia in the 1870's and now widespread.
Dandelions have very large taproots.
Like chicory, the root has been used as a coffee substitute. The Potawatomi cooked it with a vinegar made from maple sap, and used it on venison and pork. Dandelions are readily consumed by livestock, but provide only fair forage value. Rabbits, turkey, deer, and small mammals eat the leaves, while prairie chickens consume the seeds.