We were wrong! Back Yard Farmer Vol. 7 erratum

It has been brought to our attention that in Back Yard Farmer Volume Seven the photograph of a Dandelion leaf on page 15 was in fact incorrect. The leaf shown was from the Flatweed or Cats-Ear plant Hypochoeris radicata and not from Taraxacum officinale the true Dandelion plant.

Although the Cats-ear leaves are not generally toxic and the young leaves are in fact popularly boiled or used in salads in Europe, the plant in paddocks has caused some concern for horse owners. (see www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/109982/pastures-for-horses.pdf) Research on its link to stringhalt in horses is ongoing.

We apologise for the confusion, however identification of plants (including weeds) is best made with the flowers and fruits as this is more accurate.

Pictures of both plants are shown here.