The distinguishing characteristic of Asteraceae is their inflorescence, a type of specialised, composite flower head or pseudanthium, technically called a calathium or capitulum, that may look superficially like a single flower.

Are all Asteraceae edible?

The stems and leaves of all species have milky juice, and all are edible, but bitter. Bitter substances like dandelion greens are helpful as an appetizer to stimulate digestive secretions before the main meal.

What makes Asteraceae unique?

The most distinctive feature of Asteraceae is their inflorescence structure, the highly compressed inflorescence branch system called the capitulum or flower head, in which all the flowers are attached to a receptacle that is surrounded by involucral bracts.