Taraxacum obovatum

Taraxacum obovatum is a small perennial in the daisy family, Asteraceae. Its common name is obovate-leaved dandelion. Kew lists Spain as its native range. It grows in a temperate climate. The RHS records it as non-native to Britain and Ireland. Older names place it under several other dandelion species. These include names under Taraxacum officinale and Leontodon taraxacum.

Plants For A Future gives its height as 0.66 feet [0.2 metres]. It lists cultivated beds as a place to grow it. The plant has a taproot, which needs room in seedling pots. The supplied species records do not describe its leaf shape in detail. They also give no species-specific flower colour or flowering season. Its flowers have both male and female organs. Insects pollinate them, and the plant is self-fertile.

Grow it in soil that drains well but stays moist. Plants For A Future recommends soil rich in humus. Full sun and light shade both suit it. It accepts sandy soil, loam, and clay where drainage is good. Its stated pH range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 4–10. It also gives a UK zone number of 5. That number is not an RHS H-rating.

Sow seed in spring in a cold frame. Leave it on the surface or cover it lightly. Keep the seed compost from drying out. The source gives about two weeks for germination. Move seedlings into separate, deep pots once large enough to handle. Plant them out in early summer. Division offers another route in early spring as growth starts. Reports differ on how the plant forms seed. One allows both sexual reproduction and apomixis. Another reports apomixis alone. Apomictic seeds produce plants genetically identical to their parent.

The leaves have a mild taste and can be eaten raw or cooked. Plants For A Future rates its food value at two out of five. It suggests other food uses but lacks records for this species. Those suggestions include roots, flowers, buds, and drinks. The source lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. This does not establish safety for every person or pet. It flags no weed potential, but gives no pest or disease details.