False/ True Dandelion

[MissJean]

So I've started eating more dandelion greens in my own diet and discovered that what I'm buying in the store is different from what is usually in people's lawns.

The ones in yards are often catsears, not real dandelions.

Do you feed "real" dandelions and "false" dandelions in the same frequency? Which one is being listed on the nutrition table?

[CathiiPiggie]

According to this guide, the ones in my garden are real:
http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/comhort/no...ear_leaves.jpg
So I feed real

[foggycreekcavy]

False dandelions should not be fed. In fact, catsears can be toxic to some animals. Most animals will not even touch them, but if really hungry they might.

There are some easy ways to distinguish between the two. Catsears often grow their leaves in flat rosettes, with long stems coming out of the center. The leaves are usually somewhat furry or have little "hairs" on them. Dandelions are usually smooth. Both the leaves and stems grow in a more upward manner. Dandelions are more of a cool weather plant (spring and fall) whereas catsear is more of a summer, hot weather plant.

[MissJean]

Awesome! Thanks folks. I'm glad my pigs can help me finish off this bag.

[PigPandemonium]

I agree with @foggycreekcavy The was one person on another website who was feeding her pig Dandelions, and I alerted her to the fact that they were really catsears and were toxic to the pig. Her response was "Well one or two won't kill her"

[MissJean]

Hm, I wonder how common this is for people to confuse the catsears in their lawns for dandelions. I've always heard of catsears being referred to as dandelions my whole life. Yikes! Glad this site is around so I can double-check.