Why I love Dandelions

Here's a random blog for you.... all about dandelions.   

For me they represent childhood dreams and wishes.  I'm sure many of us picked one of the seed heads and blew on it to disperse the little umbrella seeds, wishing for all and sundry to come true.  Now though, they still represent dreams and wishes, but also new beginnings, new opportunities, and the ability to grow in even the most challenging of circumstances.

Recently I stumbled on some more information about dandelions, some of it I already knew but no all of it.

Did you know...

-  The dandelion is the only flower that represents the three celestial bodies of the sun, moon and stars: The yellow flower resembles the sun, the puff ball resembles the moon, and the dispersing seeds resemble the stars.

-  The dandelion flower opens to greet the morning and closes to go to sleep.

-  Every part of the dandelion is useful: the root, leaves and flower.  It can be used for food, medicine, and dye for colouring.

-  Up until the 1800s people would pull grass out of their lawns to make room for dandelions and other useful 'weeds' like chickweed, malva and chamomile.

-  The word dandelion is taken from the French word 'dent de lion' meaning lion's tooth, referring to the coarsely-toothed leaves.

-  Dandelions have one of the longest flowering season of any other plant.

-  Dandelion seed are often transported away by a gust of wind and they travel like tiny parachutes or umbrellas.  Seeds are often carried as many as 5 miles from their origin.

-  Birds, insects, and butterflies consume nectar or seeds of dandelions.  Honey from bees pollinating dandelions is quite delicious.

-  Dandelion flowers do not need to be pollinated to form seeds.  Root of dandelion can be used as a substitute for coffee.

-  Dandelion is used in folk medicines to treat infections and liver disorders.  Tea made of dandelion acts as a diuretic.

-  If you mow dandelions, they'll grow shorter stalks to spite you.

-  Dandelions are, quite possibly, the most successful plants that exist.  They are masters of survival worldwide.

I bet you didn't know all that.  Amazing isn't it.  They are literally little troopers.  They can grow in the tiniest crack in the concrete and can not only grow but thrive in dry conditions.  

Do I want them in my lawn though? ....mmmm, no, not really.