Taraxacum formosanum
Taraxacum formosanum
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Pl. 8BF3 — Taraxacum formosanum
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IOverview
Overview
Taraxacum formosanum, a perennial member of the Asteraceae family, is native to several regions in East Asia including Altay, Amur, Buryatiya, China North-Central and South-Central, Chita, Inner Mongolia, and Taiwan. This plant thrives in various habitats such as forests, meadows, and along roadsides. Known for its edible qualities, T. formosanum can be enjoyed in its flowers, leaves, and roots. It prefers moist conditions and grows well in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils, thriving best in full sun to partial shade. One distinctive feature of this plant is its bright yellow flower heads that resemble dandelions, making it a notable ornamental addition to gardens while also serving as a valuable food source.
Quick answers
What is Taraxacum formosanum?
Taraxacum formosanum, a perennial member of the Asteraceae family, is native to several regions in East Asia including Altay, Amur, Buryatiya, China North-Central and South-Central, Chita, Inner Mongolia, and Taiwan. This plant thrives in various habitats such as forests, meadows, and along roadsides.
What is Taraxacum formosanum used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Taraxacum formosanum
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Taraxacum species, including T. formosanum, have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for digestive issues such as bloating and indigestion, often prepared as a decoction.
The mechanism involves the bitter compounds found in dandelions, which stimulate bile production and improve digestion. However, specific compounds responsible for this effect are not fully characterised.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Taraxacum formosanum support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Taraxacum formosanum thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial plant is hardy in temperate regions and can be propagated through division of the root system. Harvest its edible parts—flowers, leaves, and roots—from spring to fall.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
For first-time growers
How to grow Taraxacum formosanum for the first time
8steps
Start with simple soil and light conditions, and you'll have a good chance of success.
- 1
What you'll need
Taraxacum formosanum seeds or young plants, garden tools, compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to partial sun. Ensure soil is well-draining; amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, spaced about 6 inches apart. Transplant young plants in the same spacing.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist during germination and early growth. Water once a week if there is no rain.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil dries out, especially in dry spells. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and a neat appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRoot
Edible uses: Coffee, Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
19 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
19 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 19 native
Asia5 regions
native (5)ChinaJapanMongoliaSouth KoreaTaiwan
Broader regions
native:Altay, Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, Khabarovsk, Primorye, Tuva, Yakutskiya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
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