Ode to the Dandelion

Maybe it's a funny thing, but Dandelions are actually my favorite flower. They remind me of happy childhood memories. I find a yard full of them blooming to be a beautiful and happy sight.

Dandelion:
-French dent-de-lion, meaning 'lion's tooth'. Also called pis-en-lit, meaning 'wet the bed'. It helps to expel water from the body.
-Every part is edible. Dandelion leaves contain abundant vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, C and K, and are good sources of calcium, potassium, iron and manganese. Blanch to remove bitterness.
-Dandelion Wine
-Is a food source for many larvae of Lepidoptera species (butterflies) and a nectar source for the Pearl-Bordered Fritillary. Good for bees and small birds.
-The dandelion plant is a beneficial weed. Its taproot will bring up nutrients for shallower-rooting plants, and add minerals and nitrogen to soil. It is also known to attract pollinating insects and release ethylene gas which helps fruit to ripen.
-Four dandelion flowers are the emblem of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The citizens celebrate spring with an annual Dandelion Festival. The dandelion is the official flower of the University of Rochester and "Dandelion Yellow" is one of the school's official colors. 'The Dandelion Yellow' is an official University of Rochester song.

Every year millions of dollars are spent trying to eradicate it, not to mention the amount of poisons we throw at it. There are many good uses for dandelions. Maybe we should use them and not spray them.

Also we should learn to not expect perfection in our lawns. There are worse weeds that take over once the dandelions are gone. They are beautiful creatures, learn to live with them. They are not going anywhere.