The roots, leaves, and flowers are all edible. Leaves resemble those of dandelion in taste and texture: mild, lettuce-like, but with bitterness that is improved by cooking [2-3]. The roots are edible but not well documented in terms of flavor; they are assumed to be similar to dandelion roots, which are bitter but usable when cooked or roasted [2-3]. The flowers can be eaten raw or cooked, adding color and mild flavor to salads or as a garnish [2-3]. Edible Uses & Rating: Edible parts include young leaves as salad/potherb and roots as a bitter, coffee-substitute type material. Because of strong bitterness and latex, it earns an edibility rating of 2.5/5: usable, but not a primary or pleasant staple. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Leaves are mildly to strongly bitter, especially with age. Young rosette leaves can be eaten raw in small amounts or blanched to reduce bitterness. Roots are tough and strongly bitter-resinous; they can be roasted and used in small proportions in “coffee” blends or broths. Overmature plants are generally too bitter to be worthwhile. Seasonality (Phenology): Rosettes emerge in spring as snow recedes; flowering typically late spring to mid-summer; seed set and senescence follow as soils dry. Young edible leaves are best very early in the season. Safety & Cautions (Food Use): Bitterness and latex limit palatability; as with many composites, sensitive individuals may experience digestive upset or contact irritation. Use in modest amounts. Harvest & Processing Workflow: Clip young leaves early; rinse and eat fresh or lightly blanch. If using roots, harvest from second-year plants before flowering, scrub, slice, and roast to deepen flavor and reduce latex. Look-Alikes & Confusion Risks: Similar to dandelion (Taraxacum), hawkbits, and other ligulate composites. Ensure ID to avoid mildly toxic look-alikes, and note that most “false dandelions” are more bitter than Taraxacum. Traditional/Indigenous Use Summary: Various Agoseris species were used traditionally as minor greens or medicinally; A. retrorsa fits that pattern as a minor supplemental plant rather than a staple.

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None Known

Ecology & Wildlife: Flower heads are visited and pollinated primarily by bees, small native solitary bees, syrphid flies, and butterflies. Seeds feed small birds and rodents. Latex and bitterness deter heavy grazing, but some herbivores browse young foliage. A small, serviceable wild green and coffee-root analogue for high-country foragers, more of a curiosity than a cornerstone.

Special Uses