Korean dandelion
Taraxacum platycarpum
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Pl. EA1F — Taraxacum platycarpum
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IOverview
Overview
Korean dandelion, scientifically known as Taraxacum platycarpum, is a perennial plant native to Japan and Korea. This member of the Asteraceae family thrives in moist conditions and prefers light or partial sun exposure. It can grow up to 0.3 meters tall and adapts well to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). Known for its edible parts—flowers, leaves, and roots—it is both ornamental and useful as a food source in traditional cuisines. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow in diverse environments, making it a resilient addition to gardens or natural settings.
Quick answers
What is Korean dandelion?
Korean dandelion, scientifically known as Taraxacum platycarpum, is a perennial plant native to Japan and Korea. This member of the Asteraceae family thrives in moist conditions and prefers light or partial sun exposure. It can grow up to 0.
What is Korean dandelion used for?
Traditionally used for immune support, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Korean dandelion
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Korean dandelion is traditionally used to support the immune system, similar to other Taraxacum species. A tea made from the leaves and roots may help enhance overall immunity.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but it likely involves polysaccharides which have been shown in studies on related species to stimulate immune responses.
- Korean dandelion, like other Taraxacum species, has been traditionally used in Asian herbal medicine for digestive issues such as constipation and indigestion. A decoction of the root may help support healthy digestion.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but it likely involves compounds such as sesquiterpene lactones which have anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in gastrointestinal health.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Korean dandelion thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial grows up to 0.3 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight. Propagation can be done through division or seed sowing. Harvest edible parts including flowers, leaves, and roots throughout the growing season.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Korean dandelion for the first time
8steps
Start with Korean dandelion for a low-maintenance, beginner-friendly project.
- 1
What you'll need
Korean dandelion seeds or young plants, garden tools like a trowel and watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late summer for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to partial sun. Ensure the soil is well-draining, suitable for light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) types.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.3 meters apart in prepared soil. Alternatively, transplant young plants into your garden or containers.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full shade, neglecting to mulch, not removing dead foliage.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRoot
Edible uses: Coffee, Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 2 native
Asia2 regions
native (2)JapanSouth Korea
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
XII
About this entry
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