Dandelions... so whats the difference?

[vfem]

So I have what looks like 2 kinds of dandelions in my yard. 1 that is super tall and skinny stocks, a not at all thick and fuzzy in the stem like my other dandelions. The first kind opens all morning, and if it gets hot they close back up late afternoon, while my shorter fuzzy stem version stays open all day. Other then that, the leaves are similar and the roots when I pull them up are the same fashioned roots as well.

So whats the difference?

I want to make Dandelion Jelly, but I want to make sure that they are both edible to use.

 

[hoodat]

So I have what looks like 2 kinds of dandelions in my yard. 1 that is super tall and skinny stocks, a not at all thick and fuzzy in the stem like my other dandelions. The first kind opens all morning, and if it gets hot they close back up late afternoon, while my shorter fuzzy stem version stays open all day. Other then that, the leaves are similar and the roots when I pull them up are the same fashioned roots as well.

So whats the difference?

I want to make Dandelion Jelly, but I want to make sure that they are both edible to use.

I'd bet the tall ones are a wild form of lettuce, the plant lettuce was developed from. It's one of the peskiest weeds around here and very attractive to aphids but I find that if I let some grow outside the garden I get more lady bugs and encarsia wasps to help me in the garden.

 

[journey11]

Hmmm... I have noticed that there are two different types of leaves with dandelions, once less toothy than the other. I eat a lot of dandelions. I am still not sure why the leaves are different, but they appear in all other ways to be the same ol' dandelion. I don't believe I've ever seen one with a fuzzy stem? It should be hairless and smooth. You'll notice it oozes a milky substance when you pick it. Might be good if you can post a picture so we can pin it down. The fuzzy one is probably not a dandelion. Take a look at some pics of them on Wikipedia. The bloom will be the most distinguishable characteristic. Those are the part you would use to make dandelion wine (or in your case, jelly).

ETA: The bloom should be roughly the same diameter as a silver dollar.

 

[vfem]

I think my problem is I have what appears to be Hawksbeard!? Is that really what I have? It very tall and lank stems, and looks a lot more like the picture with small dandelion type heads, but not nearly a silver dollar.

Are these posionous? Would they taste good? I kinda went and harvested some... now I may have to poor out my whole mix!

 

[digitS']

I'd like to help you with this, V, but I've had a headache all afternoon. My youngest child graduated from college today and the weekend has been a blur.

I've grown an ornamental Crepis (hawksbeard). If that is what you have, they are fairly closely related to dandelion. I doubt that Crepis is toxic.

. . . just need some sleep . . .

d'S'

 

[journey11]

Congrats, Steve, to you and your (daughter is it?), that is quite a monumentous occasion!

On the hawksbeard, I read it is more closely related to a daisy. I don't believe daisies are edible, although I've never heard of them mentioned as poisonous either. I don't think I would eat it. It wouldn't be the same anyway.

 

[hoodat]

Congrats, Steve, to you and your (daughter is it?), that is quite a monumentous occasion!

On the hawksbeard, I read it is more closely related to a daisy. I don't believe daisies are edible, although I've never heard of them mentioned as poisonous either. I don't think I would eat it. It wouldn't be the same anyway.

According to at least one site they are edible and tasty but I can't vouch for that from personal experience. some good ID pictures there also.
http://www.wildfoodforagers.org/hawksbeard.htm

 

[Hattie the Hen]

Congrats, Steve, to you and your (daughter is it?), that is quite a monumentous occasion!

On the hawksbeard, I read it is more closely related to a daisy. I don't believe daisies are edible, although I've never heard of them mentioned as poisonous either. I don't think I would eat it. It wouldn't be the same anyway.

Yes, congrats Steve, DW & YC -- a great achievement & so important!!

Hi vfem, I think this page might be useful:

*link removed, virus warning*

I think though that this points up why it is so important to absolutely identify the plants growing around us -- especially if we intend to eat them. OTHERWISE..............

**** [WHOOPS.....!! I've edited to say I see good old Howdat gave you the same info. It wasn't there when I started but I got distracted because there was a kerfuffle outside amongt the chickens & I rushed out to see what was up -- I thought it might be a fox after them.............!! I had this about 4years ago so I am very careful now. Couldn't see anything but they were glad to have their breakfast early!!! ]

:rose Hattie :rose

 

[journey11]

Congrats, Steve, to you and your (daughter is it?), that is quite a monumentous occasion!

On the hawksbeard, I read it is more closely related to a daisy. I don't believe daisies are edible, although I've never heard of them mentioned as poisonous either. I don't think I would eat it. It wouldn't be the same anyway.

According to at least one site they are edible and tasty but I can't vouch for that from personal experience. some good ID pictures there also.

I got to thinking about it later (yes, I am so engrossed in this site, I think about it when I'm not online! ) -- chamomile is also a daisy family member.... I agree though, you really need a positive ID on it before you go any further.

 

[vfem]

I am 100% sure its hawksbeard... but the smell of the tea is very 'bitter' to my nose and if I don't fine it appealing I'm not going to use it.

Turns out a portion of what I picked was dandelion though... they are all mixed together and hard to tell apart in my yard. :/

Anyways...

I will throw out the idea of that for now, 2 hours down the drain, but I didn't bother cooking and moving forward so not so bad. I am going to collect and do some clover jelly today instead.