Beaked Hawksbeard, Dandelion crepis
Crepis vesicaria
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
A herb. It can grow each year from seed or take 2 years to complete its life-cycle. It grows 70 cm to 1.5 m high. The stems are branched. The leaves at the base are lyre shaped and softly hairy. They are fleshy and have wavy edges. Later leaves near flowering become lobed. The flowers are yellow. They are 2.5 cm across.
Where it is found
It grows in temperate places. It grows in lawns and pastures.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Britain, Crete, Europe, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Mediterranean, Sicily, Spain
How it is used for food
The lower leaves that form a ring are boiled and seasoned with oil and lemon. They are eaten in salads or stews.
Edible parts
Leaves, flowers
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Achicoria, Camarroja, Cicuriune, Kokkinogoulia, Pikrouses, Zicoria burda