Taraxacum japonicum

Taraxacum japonicum is a small perennial in the daisy family, Asteraceae. Its native range covers central and southern Japan. Kew places it in the temperate climate zone. Plants For A Future records it in sunny, disturbed ground. These sites include roadsides and the edges of rice fields. It grows at elevations below 1,640 feet [500 metres]. These records describe open habitats rather than deep woodland.

The plant reaches about 0.66 feet [0.2 metres] in height. Its low growth makes it a small plant for cultivated beds. The source gives no mature spread or detailed leaf description. It does note a taproot when discussing seedling care. Flowers appear from March to May. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers, and the plant is self-fertile. The available account does not describe its fruit or seeds.

Plants For A Future lists several suitable soil types. These include sandy soil, loam, and clay. The soil should drain well while staying moist. The plant can grow in full sun or light shade. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. British winter hardiness remains uncertain in the source. Its suggested chance of outdoor survival is not a tested hardiness rating. No firm winter temperature limit is given.

The clearest food records concern the leaves and root. Leaves may be eaten raw or cooked. Roasted roots can serve as a coffee substitute. Plants For A Future gives its food value one out of five. It also lists flowers and other food uses as probable. Those uses lack confirmed records for this species in that account. The source reports no known hazards, but gives no detailed safety assessment. It lists medicinal uses involving digestion, bile flow, urine production, and milk supply. These are reported uses, not proof of benefit.

For propagation, sow seed in spring in a cold frame. Leave it on the surface or cover it lightly. Keep the growing mix from drying out. The source gives a germination time of about two weeks. Move seedlings into deep pots to make room for their taproots. Plant them out in early summer. Division is another option as spring growth begins. The account flags no weed potential and names no specific pests or diseases.