Every child recognizes the dandelion. Is that correct? It's not always that easy, because there are plants that look very similar to dandelions. Which plants are there a risk of confusion with?
What plants could be confused with dandelions?
Dandelion can easily be confused with arugula, ragwort, leontodon, hawkweed, meadow pippau and pigweed. Dandelion leaves can be easily identified by a basket flower, hairless and smooth stems and leaves as well as hollow and milky sap-filled inflorescence stems.
Arugula and Dandelion: Both non-toxic and edible
Whether wild arugula or garden arugula - because of the toothed leaves, dandelions can easily be confused with arugula. If it is arugula, you can tell by the smell and taste, among other things. Rocket smells sharp and cress-like, and it tastes the same, while dandelion leaves are bitter.
ragwort and dandelion: confusion can have bad consequences
Be careful not to confuse dandelions with ragwort! Ragwort is poisonous! How to distinguish ragwort:
- dandelion-like leaves
- Inflorescence is composed of several flowers
- smaller flowers than dandelions
- higher growth than dandelions
- has stem leaves
Leontodon and dandelions: take a closer look at seed heads
The autumn dandelion, also called leontodon, milkweed or dandelion, also looks very similar to the common dandelion. The best distinguishing feature is the seed heads. While the seeds of the common dandelion are connected to a stem to form an umbrella, the umbrellas of Leontodon are located 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 Wiesen-Pippau. Can be distinguished by its rough, hairy leaves. The common pigweed also resembles the dandelion in some respects.
How to recognize a dandelion
Outside of its flowering period is the best time to collect its leaves. But be careful! Many plants have leaves that are very similar to those of ragwort. There are a few characteristics that will help you recognize dandelions or distinguish them from other plants.
Here are the characteristics of the dandelion:
- every plant has a basket flower
- Flower is 3 to 5 cm wide
- Stems are hairless
- Leaves are hairless and smooth
- Inflorescence stems are hollow and filled with milky sap
Tip
If nothing helps and you are unsure, you can recognize the dandelion by the shape of its seeds. They are elongated, narrow, pointed at the bottom and dark brown.
