Taraxacum obovatum
Taraxacum obovatum
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Pl. D2EA — Taraxacum obovatum
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IOverview
Overview
Taraxacum obovatum, commonly known as the broad-leaf dandelion, is a perennial plant native to Algeria, Baleares, Corse, France, Italy, Madeira, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. It thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7.5–8, making it adaptable but preferring slightly alkaline conditions. This plant is known for its edible parts—flowers, leaves, and roots—which can be harvested throughout the year. Found across a wide range in Europe and North Africa, T. obovatum is valued not only as an ornamental due to its bright yellow flowers but also for its culinary uses. Its light energy rating of 7/10 suggests it has moderate vitality, making it a resilient addition to gardens or natural landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Taraxacum obovatum?
Taraxacum obovatum, commonly known as the broad-leaf dandelion, is a perennial plant native to Algeria, Baleares, Corse, France, Italy, Madeira, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. It thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7.
What is Taraxacum obovatum used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Taraxacum obovatum
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Taraxacum species, including T. obovatum, have been traditionally used in European herbal medicine for digestive issues such as bloating and indigestion, often prepared as a tea.
The mechanism involves the bitter compounds found in dandelions, which stimulate bile production and improve digestion. However, specific compounds responsible for this effect in T. obovatum are not fully characterised.
- Taraxacum species have been traditionally used in herbal medicine to support the immune system, often prepared as a tea or tincture.
The mechanism involves various antioxidants and polysaccharides that may enhance immune function. However, specific compounds responsible for this effect in T. obovatum are not fully characterised.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Taraxacum obovatum thrives in moist conditions and prefers light to heavy soils, with a preference for sandy, medium, or clay textures. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-8 and grows as a perennial reaching up to 0.2 meters tall. This plant requires full sun to partial shade and should be watered regularly to maintain moist soil. For propagation, gardeners can use division of roots or seed sowing. Edible parts include the flowers, leaves, and root, making it a versatile addition to both culinary and ornamental gardens.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Taraxacum obovatum for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Taraxacum obovatum to get familiar with basic gardening techniques.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot, high-quality potting soil, and some seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a container with good drainage holes. Mix your potting soil with sand for better aeration.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost, or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly once a month.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to encourage new growth and remove spent flowers to promote more blooms.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil without drainage, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRoot
Edible uses: Coffee, Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 12 native
Europe4 regions
native (4)FranceItalyPortugalSpain
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaMoroccoTunisia
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
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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