Mountain dandelion, Orange Agoseris, Orange-flower Goat-chicory, False dandelion
Agoseris aurantiaca

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A perennial herb which grows 60 cm high. It has a strong rootstock that curves upwards. The leaves are at the base and are almost entire with shallow teeth. The flowers are reddish-orange and in heads. The heads occur singly.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows naturally in meadows and woodlands from moderate to high elevations in Western North America from Canada to California. It grows in sandy low nutrient soils in a sunny position.

Countries/locations it is found in

Alaska, Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten cooked like spinach. They can be eaten raw or cooked. The root gum is used as a chewing gum.

It is a famine food.

Edible parts

Leaves, gum, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. The seed are sown in a nursery and usually germinate in 2 - 6 weeks at 15°C. Plants can also be grown by careful division of the clump in spring.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Macrorhynchus troximoides Torr. et Gray; Troximon aurantiacum (Hook.);