Daisy vs. Dandelion

Daisy and dandelion are types of herbaceous plants that belong to the aster family. Daisy is native to Europe, while dandelion originates from Eurasia and North America. Both plants can be found in temperate areas around the world today. Daisy and dandelion grow in the meadows, parks, areas near the roads and streams and in deciduous and coniferous forests. Since they easily occupy lawns, daisy and dandelion are often classified as weed. Despite similar morphology, they can be easily differentiated via:

Leaves

Daisy and dandelion produce leaves arranged in basal rosettes. Daisy has small, spoon-shaped leaves with short petioles, while dandelion has elongated leaves with deeply jagged margins.

Flower Head

Flower head of daisy is made of yellow disk florets in the middle of the flower head and white, petal-shaped, ray florets on the periphery. Dandelion has feathery, golden-yellow flower head that consists of only ray florets.

Pollination

Daisy is rich source of nectar which attracts bees, bumblebees, hoverflies and beetles. Successful pollination is followed with formation of flat, obovate seeds with tiny hairs which facilitate dispersal by wind, rain and animals. Dandelion attracts bees and butterflies, but it can also produce seeds without pollination (asexual reproduction). Bright yellow flower head of dandelion transforms into puffy seed head that consists of numerous single-seeded achenes, equipped with fine hairs which facilitate dispersal by wind.

Part of Human Diet

Young leaves of daisy are rich source of vitamin C. They can be consumed fresh, in the form of salad and as ingredient of sandwiches, or used for the preparation of soups, pies and lasagnas. Fresh leaves have sweet and slightly sour and bitter taste that becomes milder after cooking. Unopened flowers and young shoots of daisy are also edible. Young leaves of dandelion are rich source of vitamins A, C and K. They are usually cooked and consumed like spinach or used fresh for the preparation of salads. Flower heads of dandelion are used for the manufacture of dandelion wine. Roasted, ground root of dandelion can be used as a caffeine-free substitute for coffee.

Medical Value

Flowers of daisy are used in treatment of rheumatism, cough, for the elimination of mucus and to accelerate healing of wounds and bruises. Dandelion is used in treatment of liver and bile disorders and as diuretic.

Other Applications

Infusion made of daisy leaves can be used as homemade mosquito repellent. Daisy is very popular among children and frequently used for the preparation of "daisy chains". White latex extracted from the stem of dandelion can be used as natural glue and for the manufacture of rubber. Dandelion attracts various pollinators into the garden and accelerates ripening of the nearby fruit.