Every child recognizes the dandelion. Is that correct? It's not always that easy, because there are plants that look very similar to dandelion. With which plants is there a risk of confusion?

The leaves of the poisonous ragwort look very similar to the dandelion leaves

Arugula and Dandelion: Both non-toxic and edible

Whether wild rocket or garden rocket - due to the serrated leaves, the dandelion can easily be confused with rocket. If it's arugula, you can tell by smell and taste, among other things. Arugula smells pungent and cress-like, and tastes the same, while dandelion leaves are bitter.

Ragwort and dandelion: confusion can have bad consequences

Be careful not to confuse dandelion with ragwort! Ragwort is poisonous! How to distinguish the ragwort:

  • dandelion-like leaves
  • Inflorescence consists of several flowers
  • smaller flowers than dandelion
  • taller than dandelion
  • has stem leaves

Leontodon and dandelion: take a closer look at seed heads

The autumn dandelion, also called Leontodon, milkweed or dandelion, also looks confusingly similar to the common dandelion. The best distinguishing feature is the seed heads. While the seeds of the common dandelion are connected with a stalk to form the umbrella, the umbrellas of Leontodon sit directly on the seed.

Other candidates for confusion

The dandelion can also be confused with the hawkweed, which has several smaller flowers per inflorescence. Another candidate is the meadow Pippau. Distinguishable from rough, hairy leaves. The common piglet herb also resembles the dandelion in certain respects.

How to recognize the dandelion for sure!

Outside of its flowering period is the best time to collect its leaves. But be careful! Many plants have very similar leaves to ragwort. There are a few features that you can use to identify the dandelion or distinguish it from other plants.

Here are the characteristics of the dandelion:

  • each plant has a daisy flower
  • Flower is 3 to 5 cm wide
  • Stems are hairless
  • Leaves are hairless and smooth
  • Peduncles are hollow and filled with milky sap

tips

If all else fails and you are unsure, you can identify the dandelion by the shape of its seeds. They are elongated, narrow, pointed at the bottom, and dark brown.

Category:

Herbs