Dandelion

Dandelions, although now currently thought of as a weed to be fed to cows, rabbits or guinea pigs, can actually be used in salads (both the flower and leaves).

Aside from culinary uses, apparently dandelion makes a nifty purple dye. But it mustn't be very colourfast, as it's not particularly talked about by people who do period dyeing.

Note: Australians should be aware that most of the "dandelion" plants we generally find in our lawns are actually wild lettuce, and should be careful about obtaining "real" dandelions if trying to use them in some sort of recipe.

Note from an English perspective: dandelion (from the French dent de lion -- lion's tooth, referring to the ragged, chewed-looking, edge to the leaves) is well-known as a diuretic. Eating it may, therefore, have unforeseen consequences (or foreseen ones, if you're a cruel practical joker).

See also:

• other herbs