The English word “dandelion” is believed to have come from French: “tooth of the lion” or “lion’s tooth”, likely named after the jagged edges of the leaves. Funnily, the French common name for the plant is a bit less romantic, as it is called “pissenlit” - named for the plant’s diuretic properties (source).
Dandelion’s scientific name (Taraxacum) also reflects some of its traditional uses and benefits:
The genus name Taraxacum comes from the Greek words “taraxos”, which means “disorder” and “akos”, meaning “remedy” .
From A to Z Flowers: Taraxacum
A cheerful and vivacious plant, dandelions are some of the first flowers to appear in the spring. They are very hardy, clinging to rough soil, on lawns, and in cracks in the pavement, determined to survive.
→ In herbalism, dandelions are believed to help aid digestion and may be used to support the liver and kidneys.
→ In magick, dandelions are associated with protection, making wishes, endurance, survival, solar magick, and more.
Dandelions are one of the few plants that are deemed to be edible in their entirety- from the roots to the flower petals.
That being said, I don’t know anyone who enjoys chowing down on the fluffy seeds, and I’ve also found it’s best to avoid the white sticky sap within the stalk of the plant, as it can cause indigestion (and doesn’t taste great 
) Still, picker’s preference!
Dandelions can be harvested in spring, summer, and into fall, depending on your climate. It is respectful to wait until after Beltane to begin harvesting dandelions, as they are some of the only food available to bees and other pollinators in early spring. After Beltane, there are usually enough flowering plants to support our pollinating friends 
Dandelions can be selected casually for decorative or magickal use. If you want to collect dandelions to make something you (or others) are going to consume, a higher level of care will be required.
-
Be 100% sure the plant you are taking is a dandelion, as there are some dandelion look-alikes -
Never take dandelions from places that have been sprayed with harmful chemicals or pesticides -
Wash dandelions thoroughly prior to consumption
The flowers, leaves, and roots are the most popular parts of dandelions to harvest. When taking a few flowers and leaves from a collection of plants, you can leave the plants for others to enjoy. Dandelion roots are loaded with benefits, but by taking the root you remove the plant. As such, root harvesting should be done selectively and only in places where there is an abundance of dandelions.
Once you’ve collected your dandelions, it’s time to put them to use! Flowers and leaves can be enjoyed fresh as part of a salad or garnish. Roots are most often dried or roasted and then stored for tea or future use 
Looking for ways to use your dandelions? Here are a few suggestions!
Dandelion Recipes:
- Lavender Dandelion Muffins
- Dandelion Tea - Good for You, Easy to Make
- Dandelion Wine
- Digestive Tonic Tea
- Diuretic Herbal Tea
- Aries, Leo, and Pisces Zodiac Tea Blends
Dandelion Spells:
Keep your dandelion wisdom close at hand by collecting your copy of the dandelion printable page:
Spells8: Dandelion Printable Page
Have you used or eaten dandelions before?
Feel free to share your experiences, advice, and wisdom with fellow coven members in the comments below.
Blessed be and happy harvesting!
now that I’m in Maine, they’re everywhere 
at least when they grow back you’ll get another try!
I don’t know about harvesting any because I’m not sure what the previous owners used on the yard but they’re everywhere right now.
I’m sure they’ll grow back quickly! 
.
