Contents
- 1 Differences between the chicory plant and the dandelion plant
- 1.1 How can we differentiate chicory from dandelion?
- 1.2 Characteristics to identify chicory
- 1.3 Characteristics to identify a dandelion
- 1.4 How to differentiate dandelion-like plants according to their rosette
- 1.5 Differences between dandelion leaves and other plants with serrated leaves
- 1.6 What can be done with these plants?
- 1.7 More questions about these plants
Differences between the chicory plant and the dandelion plant
I see in my garden some plants like a dandelion and a chicory, how can I be sure that they are these plants if I want to consume them? (Consultation received through our Facebook).
How can we differentiate chicory from dandelion?
In general, in order to correctly identify a plant, it is essential to study its leaves, flowers, fruits, and its general appearance. To do this, you have to spend some time and see the different stages of the plant.
However, in this particular case that you are consulting us, these two plants are very easy to differentiate:
Characteristics to identify chicory
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is tall and characterized by its blue flowers, which occur in various knots on its stems. Notice these details in the following images:
Characteristics to identify a dandelion
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has a yellow flower, grows in a rosette a few centimeters from the ground and only has one flower per stem. Notice these details in the following images:
How to differentiate dandelion-like plants according to their rosette
However, many of these plants belonging to the Compositae family (Asteraceae) can be confused when they are in their early stages, that is, when they only have rosette-shaped leaves.
In these cases, chicory has more “teeth” and shallower than dandelion, and the latter is characterized by deeply serrated leaves. Dandelion literally means “lion teeth”
Differences between dandelion leaves and other plants with serrated leaves
Notice these details in the following images:
What can be done with these plants?
One of the most delicious and nutritious uses is to eat them in salads, soups or creams, like spinach:
More questions about these plants
There are plants with very similar characteristics that can only be identified when they flower, when they bear fruit, or depending on the species, other details.
It is also necessary to know where it grows, since the habitat is other information necessary to be able to correctly identify a plant.
It is highly recommended to go to your city library and look for a plant guide of your area. Currently there are very good and easy-to-use guides, for example, looking for plants according to the color of the flower or the shape of the leaves.
* More information:
– Tips for collecting wild plants
More information on wild plants
