Sometimes it is easy to confuse a medicinal plant with another plant, so you have to be careful.
Here’s an example:
Probably everyone thinks they can identify dandelion easily, but maybe not!
There are several plants that look like dandelion, and also have yellow blooms!
A good time to tell what a plant is is when it is in bloom. Although these other plants have yellow blooms, it is easier to tell which one is dandelion when they are in bloom.
DANDELION:
SMOOTH HAWKSBEARD:
HAIRY CAT’S EAR:
Its fairly easy to tell all these apart when pointing out in person. Dandelion's leaves are smooth, and the stem's on the flowers are way different than on the other plants. Have someone show you.
I’m just saying, don’t rely on your field guide to distinguish plants that you will be using internally.
I have all 3 plants growing in my yard & my students compare them throughout the growing season, until they can tell them apart.
If you'd like to learn more about medicinal uses of herbs to use on yourself, friend, family, pets, or clients, take my 8 month distance learning herbalist course. Course work is posted on my forum. Much more info on my website.
Or sign up her for the 8 month herbal, other herbal workshops held online, and reiki & chakra healing workshops:
