A perennial, the Dandelion is a member of the sunflower family, the name comes from the French, 'dents de lion' ("teeth of the lion") due to the shape of the leaves. A native to Europe, it is now widespread as it was taken around the world for its medicinal and culinary, uses. Dandelions are popular with beekeepers as they are an early source of nectar.
There are a number of folklore beliefs mostly related to the white globe of fluffy pappus in the seedhead. Blowing it away completely in one go while making a wish will make it come true, or it means that you have a passionate lover; however if some remain your lover has reservations and a lot remaining means you are not in favour at all. The number of blows taken to remove all of the pappus reveals the time (Telltime). The number of seed remaining after one puff indicates the age at which you will die. Blow the seed in the direction of a friend to send a message. For a good outcome to all of these superstitions it would be best to choose a really dry, ripe seedhead.

The dark green leaves form a rosette close to the ground which remain green all year round and are not killed by close mowing. The fleshy tap root goes down vertically and a small portion can regenerate if left in the soil. It is a resilient plant and can force its way up through tarmac. If a portion of root is left it comes back as a multi-crowned plant.
The flower buds form at the centre of the rosette in early spring and are lifted up by a hollow stem which can reach 45 cm if in long grass, the yellow composite flowers open to be pollinated by insects or the wind. The bracts at the back of the flower close up again and the seeds ripen. The stem which had lowered during the ripening, rises again to a higher level and the bracts open to reveal a sphere of fluffy parachutes each carrying a seed. Even if severed from the plant they still manage to open, so they should be taken away and destroyed.

The flowers can be used to make wine, the leaves boiled like spinach or added uncooked to salads, and the roots used as a vegetable or roasted and brewed for a coffee-like beverage. Dandelions used to be grown in unheated greenhouses to provide salad leaves in winter. They contain potassium, sodium, phosphorus and iron. The leaves are a richer source of vitamin A than carrots and also have some vitamins B, C and D.

The Dandelion is one of the most frequently recorded plants in folk medicine. It is a mild laxative and diuretic, has been used for coughs and colds, as a tonic and blood purifier, for skin conditions, joint pain, eczema and liver conditions such as hepatitis and jaundice. Its most popular use in folk medicine is for removal of warts by dabbing the white sap from the roots on them. In parts of Ireland the leaves were a remedy for toothache because of the leaf shape.
Dandelions can reduce blood-sugar levels so should be avoided by diabetics; also if pregnant or breast feeding.

All parts of the Dandelion plant give off ethylene gas which can have an allelopathic effect on surrounding plants. Some fruit producers grow them below the canopy of their trees to promote even ripening. The leaves and flowers can be placed in a bag with fruit to help it to ripen. Ethylene released from the roots can have an inhibiting effect on the growth of neighbouring plants.

Dig up the whole plant using a fork to reduce the likelihood of breaking the root. Small fragments of roots will regenerate, so care must be taken during cultivation not to break them up. If repeated a few times you can eventually rid a lawn of an infestation by teasing out the plants, but there will always be a return form new seed which float in; they can travel up to 10km on a moderately windy day, but most fall close to the parent. The younger the plant is the better the chance of complete removal. It often germinates close to other plants after the floating seed became trapped, the most difficult instance is in a clump-formimg plant where it has grown in the centre. To remove it lift the plant and tease out the weed or paint the leaves with a systemic weedkiller.
The Victorians would sever the root just below soil level and place a teaspoonful of salt on the remaining root.

A herbicide like Glyphosate is best. Pull off any flowers and buds as they can mature and produce seed before the chemical can act. In the lawn a selective weedkiller should work, or use Gylphosate as a spot weeder.

Nicholas Culpepper
(17th century astrologer-physician)
"It has an opening quality and, therefore, very effectual for removing obstructions of the liver, gall bladder and spleen and diseases arising from them, such as jaundice.
It openeth the passages of the urine both in young and old and will cleanse ulcers in the urinary tract. For this purpose the decoction of the roots or leaves in white wine, or the leaves used as pot herbs are very effectual. It is a wonderful help in cachexia, the severe wasting condition in severe illness. It also procures rest and sleep in those with fever. The distilled water can be drunk in pastilential fever and be used as a wash for sores. This common herb hath many virtues, which is why the French and Dutch eat them so often in the spring."