Useful information. Note that the roots can be found year round, but you may have to look harder after the leaf crown dies off.
http://beansbulletsbandagesandyou.com/bullets/index.php/2018/05/18/dandelions-homeowners-curse-is-preppers-dream/While the author has not tried roast dandelion root, I have, and it can be tasty and a good coffee substitute. Just be sure NOT to burn the roots.
I really don't like the raw leaves, due to the bitter taste. But cooking them does remove that problem. They also work well as an amendment for stews/soups and baked goods.
I've never tried eating the flowers, so that is on my list, when I find a safe place to harvest them. I DO NOT recommend harvesting near any roadway, due to contamination from auto/truck exhausts. Find a field that is far from a roadway or open spaces in forest land.