Everyone knows the dandelion with its buttery yellow flowers, its characteristically serrated leaves and its hairy seeds. But is it also the well-known buttercup?

The dandelion is also known as the buttercup

Two different plants are referred to as buttercups

When the buttercup is mentioned, it is not entirely clear whether the dandelion or the hot buttercup is meant. Both are also known as buttercups. It is a popular name that is more or less common depending on the region.

The dandelion, which belongs to the daisy family of plants, is also known as buttercup, dandelion, dandelion and dandelion. The hot ranunculus belongs to the ranunculus family and differs greatly from the dandelion.

The characteristics of the hot ranunculus

It is poisonous for humans and animals, the sharp buttercup. It shouldn't be eaten. Even skin contact can lead to symptoms of poisoning on the skin such as reddening, blistering and burning.

Here are some of its characteristics; on the basis of which it can be easily distinguished from the dandelion:

  • Flowering period: May to July
  • inflorescence: lax panicle
  • Individual flowers: 1 to 3 cm wide, flat, wide open, in fives
  • Flower color: golden yellow, appearing greasy and shiny
  • Leaves: 3 to 5 parts, basal and stem leaves

Recognize dandelions - these are the characteristics that make them special!

These characteristics make the dandelion distinctive and easily recognizable:

  • Growth height: 10 to 50 cm
  • Flowering period: late April to early May, second flowering in late summer
  • Flowers: 3 to 5 cm across, yolk
  • Leaves: basal rosette, lanceolate, toothed
  • stem: hollow, filled with white milky sap
  • Seed pods: conspicuously silvery-white, radiating, hairy

Dandelions are mainly found in nitrogen-rich meadows, at the edges of paths and forests. Although it is mostly considered non-toxic, it also contains a mildly toxic substance. It's taraxacin, an active ingredient found in milky juice. Nevertheless, the dandelion can be helpful against fever, gout, cough, rheumatism, loss of appetite and deficiencies in various minerals and trace elements.

tips

If you want to take advantage of the healing powers and vital substances of the dandelion, only use the young leaves and blossoms for consumption! The older leaves are rich in toxic oxalic acid.

Category:

Herbs