Oriental False Hawk's-beard
Youngia japonica

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

An erect annual herb. It grows to 60 cm high. The leaves normally form a rosette or ring near the base. They are 5-10 cm long. Leaves on the stem are smaller. The sap is white and milky. The flowers occur in heads of about 20 flowers on an almost leafless stalk. The flowers are yellow. The fruit is round in cross section and flat at the top.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Papua New Guinea it occurs from 1,000 to 3,000 m altitude. In Nepal it grows between 230-2900 m altitude. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

American Samoa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Bhutan, Caribbean, China, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Haiti, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, South America, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tibet, USA, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

The young plants before flowering are used as a potherb. The stems and leaves are eaten.

It is sold in markets.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Chaulane, Dudhe, Japanese hawkweed, Pporibaengi, Rungdum, Rupjup

Synonyms

Crepis japonica (L.) Benth.; Prenanthes japonica L.; Youngia napifoli Wight; and many others