Dandelion is not only an excellent fodder plant for green plant-loving animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep and horses. This plant is also edible for humans and can even be used for medicinal purposes. But be careful, because there are plants that are very similar to it!

Blossoms and leaves in combination make dandelion unmistakable

Dangerous Doppelganger: Ragwort

Anyone who knows the dandelion will not confuse it with the ragwort. But beginners could do it, since both plants look relatively similar at first glance. However, the ragwort is poisonous - so a mix-up here can have serious consequences.

These two plants are best distinguished by their flowers. The dandelion has only one flower per plant, which is terminal and is between 3 and 5 cm wide. It is buttery yellow and densely filled with ray florets. The flowers of ragwort, on the other hand, are smaller and not filled. There are also umbel-like inflorescences, which are composed of several individual flowers.

Doubles that are less dangerous

There are other doppelgangers that look similar to the dandelion. They differ mainly in terms of their inflorescences. In contrast to the inflorescence of the dandelion, these are branched. Here are the doppelgangers and their characteristics:

  • Meadow Pippau
  • goat's beard
  • Autumn Dandelion
  • piglet weed

The little hawkweed, the rough dandelion and the coltsfoot are remotely reminiscent of the common dandelion. Its flowers are also yellow and cup-like. They stand alone or the inflorescences are unbranched. The flowering period of the dandelion usually starts earlier.

Characteristics that make dandelions easy to recognize

If you come across a plant that you think is a dandelion and want to collect, check the following characteristics to make sure it's the non-toxic dandelion.

The Dandelion:

  • has a basal leaf rosette
  • has strongly toothed, lanceolate leaves
  • is hairless
  • has a tall stem
  • contains a white milky sap
  • blooms from early April
  • forms a long, deep taproot

tips

You should be particularly careful with pets if you want to feed these dandelion. Due to the distance to nature, the animals' instincts often no longer function properly and confusion with dandelions could have serious consequences.

Category:

Herbs