Differences between dandelions and sophora flavescens

1. Leaf Difference

The basal leaves of the bitter endive exist at the same time as the flowering period, are linear or linear-lanceolate, including the petiole, 7 to 12 cm long and 5 to 8 mm wide. The apex of the leaf is acute, and the base gradually narrows to a long or short petiole; the middle and lower stem leaves are 5 to 15 cm long and 1.5 to 2 cm wide, with the base of the leaf arrow-shaped and semi-amplexicaul; the leaves are glabrous on both sides and the edges are entire.

Dandelion leaves are obovate-lanceolate, oblanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, 4 to 20 cm long and 1 to 5 cm wide. The tip of the leaves is obtuse or acute, and the edges are sometimes wavy-toothed or pinnate-lobed, sometimes pinnate-lobed or large-headed pinnate-lobed, with larger lobes at the top.

2. Flower Differences

The inflorescence of Sophora flavescens is arranged in an umbel-shaped inflorescence at the top of the stems and branches. The inflorescence peduncle is thin, and the ligulate flowers are yellow, rarely white.

The dandelion has one or several scapes, 10 to 25 cm high, purple-red on the upper part, and the inflorescence head is about 30 to 40 cm in diameter. The ligulate flowers are yellow, and the tongue is about 8 mm long and 1.5 mm wide.