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