The dandelions are not a genus of plants we have explored in detail! We have T. pseudoroseum, from central Asia, which is similar to our native dandelion, but with rather sweet pink flowers. Although dandelions are treated as a weed, they are edible and have a long tradition of being cultivated. With our native T. officinale, the leaves can be rather bitter, but this is reduced by blanching. Roots can be roasted, ground and used as a hot drink. Depending upon classification, there maybe be around 250 naturally occurring varieties across the UK
Well-known as a figurehead flower for 'No Mow May', dandelions are all of huge value to bumblebees, hoverflies and butterflies, especially in a spring meadow or lawn. As the flowers fade, the 'clocks' develop, from which goldfinches and linnets extract the seeds. And the leaves are palatable to a wide range of insects, including the larvae of many different kinds of garden moth. And those values are generally shared by ornamental, even pinkish dandelions as well!