Reproduction is by means of fluffy balls of parachute borne seeds. Used as a nutritional backup for all degenerative diseases. Must be done daily. The blanched part of the leaf, just below the soil surface is considered the best part by some. Young flower buds can be boiled for several minutes and served with butter or pickled.
Flowers are good dipped in batter and fried.
Extracts are used to flavor ice cream, candy, baked goods and soft drinks. Chop the young raw leaves and sprinkle over the sour cream on a baked potato. DYE Red or magenta-pink by using all parts of plant with no mordant. Magenta with alum mordant. Yellow to brown with iron mordant.