Alaska Dandelion
- Iñupiaq name: Unavailable
- Family: Asteraceae
- Scientific name: Taraxacum alaskanum and T. ceratophorum
- Distinguishing characteristics: Many yellow flowers growing in a single head at the tip of a fleshy stalk. The Alaska dandelion has smaller, more narrow leaves than the dandelions in southern Alaska and the lower 48 states. The leaves grow in a basal rosette (in a whorl at the very base of the plant) and are very "toothy".
- Similar species: Dandelions can sometimes be confused with other members of the Aster family. The flowers on Dandelions grow in a densely clustered head, and Alaska Dandelion flowers are completely yellow. The toothy leaves at the base will surely give this plant away.
- Habitat: Can grow anywhere from gravel to moist tundra
- Best time to harvest: Fall
- Uses: Young leaves are traditionally eaten raw (in salads) or cooked. Leaves are rich in vitamins C and A.
Photo by Greg Hume
Photo by James Sowerwine
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Photo by U.S. National Parks Service