Dandelion coffee In 1919, dandelion root was noted as a source of cheap 'coffee'. It has also been part of edible plant classes dating back at least to the 1970s. Harvesting dandelion roots requires differentiating 'true' dandelions ("Taraxacum" spp.) from other yellow daisy-like flowers such as catsear and hawksbeard. True dandelions have a ground-level rosette of deep-toothed leaves and hollow straw-like stems. Large plants that are 3–4 years old, with taproots approximately 0.5 inch (13 mm) in diameter, are harvested for dandelion coffee. These taproots are similar in appearance to pale carrots. After harvesting, the dandelion roots are dried, chopped, and roasted.
USS Dandelion (1862) USS Dandelion (1862) USS "Dandelion" (1862) was a steam tugboat used by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. In addition to towing, she was used by the Navy to patrol navigable waterways of the Confederacy to prevent the South from trading with other countries. "Dandelion", a steam tug, was built as "Antietam" in 1862 by Winson and Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; purchased by the Navy 21 November 1862; renamed "Dandelion"; and outfitted at Philadelphia Navy Yard. Commanded by Acting Master C. Folsom, "Dandelion" sailed from Philadelphia 12 December 1862 for duty with the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, arriving at