Dahlia pinnata
Record ID:94Naming |
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|---|---|
| Botanical Name: | Dahlia pinnata |
| Common Names: | Garden Dahlia, Dalia, French Dahlia |
| Key Name: | Common Dahlia |
| Parts Used: | Roots, flowers, leaves |
| Sister Plants: | Dahlia coccinea, Helianthus annuus, Cosmos bipinnatus |
| Comments: | Perennial herb attractive to pollinators; thrives in sunny, well-drained areas |
Characteristics |
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| Identifying Character: | Perennial (2-6 ft), erect hollow stem, pinnate leaves with serrated edges, large colorful flower heads (2-10 in), blooming summer to fall |
| Stem: | Erect, 2-6 ft, hollow, green |
| Leaves: | Pinnate, serrated edges, 4-12 inches, dark green |
| Flowers: | Large colorful flower heads, 2-10 in, in various colors (red, pink, yellow, white), blooming June-October |
| Fruit: | Small achenes, 0.5-1 cm, with pappus |
| Taste: | Bitter (roots), mild (flowers) |
| Odour: | Mild, earthy scent from flowers |
| Root: | Tuberous roots |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.iTEnp64xieNIf9Kq26-OuwHaFj%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=048ad9d659147f33428b98dc08bc0e5268fc46806c3150fb5645da78faaca21d&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| Distribution: | Native to Mexico, cultivated worldwide |
| Cultivation: | Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; propagate by tubers or cuttings in spring; space 2-3 ft apart; water moderately |
| Harvest: | Flowers: Summer to fall (June-October); Tubers: Fall |
Medical |
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| Therapeutic Action: | Anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antispasmodic |
| Medical Uses: | Used for inflammation, urinary issues, and mild digestive spasms; roots for decoctions, flowers occasionally in teas |
| Constituents: | Inulin, flavonoids, phenolic compounds |
| Solvents: | Water, alcohol (tincture) |
| Dosage: | Decoction: 1 tsp dried roots in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Infusion: 1 tsp dried flowers, 1-2 times daily |
| Administration: | Internal: Decoction or infusion; External: Poultice |
| Formulas: | |
| Contra Indications: | May cause mild allergic reactions; avoid during pregnancy; consult healthcare provider |
| Preparation: | Decoction: Simmer 1 tsp dried roots in water 10 min; Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried flowers 10 min |
| Chinese: | No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Veterinary: | Used for minor wounds or digestive support in livestock |
| Homeopathic: | No known homeopathic use documented |
Pollination and Pollinators |
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| Apis: | No |
| Pollinator: | 1 |
| Pollen: | Yes |
| Pollen Notes: | Pollen attracts bees, butterflies; some self-pollination |
| Nectar: | Yes |
| Nectar Notes: | Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, late-season pollinators |
Other |
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| Non-Medical Uses: | Ornamental, cut flowers |
| Culinary Uses: | Tubers edible when cooked (use sparingly) |
| History: | Introduced to Europe from Mexico in the late 18th century; named after botanist Anders Dahl |
| Reference: | Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS |
| URL: | https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Dahlia+pinnata |
| Share: | Private |