Forms of dandelion (tribe Cichorieae)

Perennial herbaceous plants with toothed leaves arranged in a basal rosette. The robust stems bear large inflorescences composed of numerous bisexual flowers, which may be yellow, orange or blue. The spherical infructescence consists of seeds that are dispersed by the wind thanks to their umbrella-shaped pappus.
In Switzerland, for example, the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), chicory (Cichorium intybus), as well as various species of hawk’s-beard (Crepis sp.) and hawkweed (Hieracium sp.) belong to the so-called “dandelion forms” (whose pollen is difficult to distinguish).

Importance for bees: Common dandelion produces large quantities of nectar and pollen and, at low altitudes and in subalpine zones, is important for colony development in spring. The other “dandelion forms” are also important sources of nectar and pollen, particularly due to their long and staggered flowering periods.

Distribution: T. officinale: very widespread throughout Switzerland in nutrient-rich meadows, fields, along roadsides and on fertile soils (e.g. in gardens). Excessive mowing and fertilisation favour its spread. Chicory: along roadsides and rubble areas, mainly in western and northern Switzerland. Mouse-ear hawkweed (H. pilosella): dry meadows and poor pastures, very widespread throughout Switzerland. Biennial hawk’s-beard (C. biennis): meadows and pastures, mainly in the north and west.

Flowering period:
Dandelion: April to May;
Chicory: July to September;
Mouse-ear hawkweed: May to October;
Biennial hawk’s-beard: May to July.

Dandelion pollen: ❶❷❸❹

Dandelion nectar: ❶❷❸ ∅

Legend: Beekeeping value is indicated using the scale: 1 (low), 2 (medium), 3 (good) and 4 (very good)
(Maurizio & Schaper, 1994; Pritsch, 2007).