Potato Dwarf Dandelion Krigia dandelion
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Cynthia dandelion
- Leontodon dandelion
- Phonetic Spelling
- KRIG-ee-uh DAN·de·lie·on
- Description
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Potato Dwarf Dandelion is a native perennial herb in the Aster family (Asteraceae) and is native to North America. It grows in semi-moist sandy or clay-loam soils, oak-hickory woods, fields, pastures and on roadsides. It is found from southern New Jersey south to Florida, west to Texas, and north to Missouri and throughout North Carolina. It is unique in propagating extensively through tubers which can be seen attached to the shallow stolons just below the surface. These 1/2" edible tubers give this plant it's "Potato" Dandelion moniker.
This plant will grow 4-20 inches high and spread by rhizomes. Preference is for well-drained soil but can tolerate a wide range of soil types including sandy and clay soils. Potato dwarf dandelion prefers full sun to part shade. Propagation is by seed or division. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in the spring or fall. To propagate by division, dig up the plant in the spring or fall and separate the clumps.
In April to June, potato dwarf dandelion displays a single large yellow/orange flower on a leafless stem. The leaves are arranged in a basal rosette and may vary in shape but are generally linear to lobed and narrow”
This plant can be used in an edible garden as all parts are edible. It can also be used in a naturalized area, meadow, or planned herb garden. Be aware that it can be weedy and the milky sap in the stem can cause contact dermatitis for sensitive people.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Can be subject to root rot if soil is too wet. May also get powdery mildew..
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Krigia
- Species:
- dandelion
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- North America
- Distribution:
- AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NJ, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA
- Wildlife Value:
- Flowers attract pollinators
- Edibility:
- All parts are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and have a slightly bitter taste. The flowers add color and nutrition to salads or can be used to brew tea. Roasted dandelion roots are used in a tasty drink similar to coffee.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Edible
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Wildflower
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Tiny (2.5mm) generally cylindrical with microscopic blunt ribs
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Orange
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Radial
- Flower Petals:
- 7 - 20 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- The flowers are solitary bright yellow-orange with 8-13 petals each with fringed tips borne on a long stem. They are 1/2 to 2 inches across. Long, narrow, leafy green bracts are at the base of the flower head. Blooms April-June
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Smooth
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Rosulate
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Linear
- Spatulate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Lobed
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Long, thin, hairless green leaves with small infrequent teeth. The leaf tip is usually sharply pointed. The shape varies from linear to lanceolate to spatulate.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Round
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- Green round leafless smooth stems
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Slope/Bank
- Small Space
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Edible Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Weedy
