Taraxacum Japonicum

Description

Taraxacum Japonicum, commonly known as Japanese dandelion, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to Japan but is also found in other parts of Asia, including China and Korea. The plant has a long taproot that can grow up to 30 cm long, and its leaves are basal, deeply lobed, and can grow up to 20 cm long.

Taxonomic Information

Here is the taxonomic information of Taraxacum Japonicum:

Appearance

Japanese dandelion has bright yellow flowers that bloom from May to October. The flower heads are composed of numerous small flowers and can grow up to 3 cm in diameter. The plant can grow up to 30 cm tall and has a spread of up to 40 cm. The leaves are deeply lobed, toothed, and can grow up to 20 cm long. The stem is smooth and milky white, and the root is long and tapering.

Care Guide

Here are some tips on how to take care of Japanese dandelion:

• Water: Japanese dandelion prefers moist soil, so water it regularly.
• Fertilization: Japanese dandelion does not require fertilization.
• Soil: Japanese dandelion can grow in any well-draining soil.
• Sunlight: Japanese dandelion prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: Japanese dandelion can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Japanese dandelion is generally not affected by pests and diseases, but it may occasionally be attacked by aphids, leaf miners, or slugs. Powdery mildew may also occur on the leaves, especially in humid conditions. To prevent these problems, keep the plant healthy and well-watered, and remove any infected leaves or stems promptly.

Habitat

Japanese dandelion is native to Japan but is also found in other parts of Asia, including China and Korea. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, pastures, and disturbed areas. It prefers moist soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

Question and Answer

Here are some common questions about Japanese dandelion:

Q: Is Japanese dandelion edible?
A: Yes, Japanese dandelion is edible, and its leaves and roots are used in traditional medicine and cooking in Japan.Q: Can Japanese dandelion be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Japanese dandelion can be grown indoors in a pot as long as it receives enough sunlight and is watered regularly.Q: Does Japanese dandelion attract bees?
A: Yes, Japanese dandelion attracts bees and other pollinators with its bright yellow flowers.Q: Is Japanese dandelion invasive?
A: Japanese dandelion is not considered invasive, but it may spread quickly in certain habitats.

Related Plants

Here are some plants that are related to Japanese dandelion:

• Taraxacum officinale (common dandelion)
• Taraxacum erythrospermum (red-seeded dandelion)
• Taraxacum kok-saghyz (Russian dandelion)
• Taraxacum albidum (white dandelion)

References

Here are some references for further reading:

• Flora of China. (n.d.). Taraxacum Japonicum. Flora of China. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=242355487
• Huxley, A. (1992). The new RHS dictionary of gardening. Macmillan.
• PlantNET. (n.d.). Taraxacum Japonicum. PlantNET – FloraOnline. http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Taraxacum~japonicum