The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

DANDELION

The dandelion (Leontodon taraxacum) is a plant of the family Compositae indigenous to Europe, but introduced into America. It gets its name from its appearance, dent de lion (French for Lion's tooth), the leaves being all radical, and runcinate or jagged on the margin. The stems are hollow and have one bright yellow flower. The tapering, milky perennial root was formerly used as a medicine for liver complaints. The whole plant is full of a milky and bitter juice. The seed of the plant is furnished with a white pappus, and is transported far and wide by the wind.
Research Dandelion