Home Dandelion Compositae Taraxacum officinale Weber ex Wigg. Magness et al. 1971 Dandelions have become naturalized throughout northern temperate zones, and leaves from such plants are widely gathered and used as pot herbs. Cultivated forms are grown to a limited extent in the U.S., more in Europe. The plants are perennials, fanning a rosette of leaves from the root crown.
Leaves are highly variable in shape.
Cultivated forms may have rosettes of leaves spreading to 18 to 24 inches on established plants. Leaf exposure is similar to that of spinach. Leaves are sometimes tied together or covered for blanching. Leaves for food. Dried roots are used for medicinal purposes under name Taraxacum.