Monroe County Master Gardener Association

It’s very photogenic , in yellow, or as a white sphere of seeds. Yet, so many despise this weed, which is sometimes called an herb. All God’s flowers have their purpose. I recently came across a video on this little beauty. It was very insightful. Here are some things we should learn so we can again love the dandelion.

Most of us are aware that this is one of the first sources of pollen for the bees. That alone is a great reason to love this plant. But there are other reasons as well. So here are a few things that surprised me….and yes, I’ve pulled a few since, but I’ve also left a few. The decision of which ones to pull and leave depended on the area where it was growing.

So the first surprise I learned, dandelions typically grow where the soil is compact. That’s why they appear all along those edges of my sidewalk. and in my pathways. Their purposes is to help break that soil up and de-compact it. I suppose pulling them may also loosen the soil, but we can just let them do their job.

The second fact I learned, was that that root can go down as far as 15 feet. Why would it reach so far? Well, dandelions also grow where there is a lack of calcium in the soil. These roots reach down till it find the source and bring that calcium up into the leaves. These leaves then decompose and release that calcium into your lawn or garden.

Dandelions are encouraged by acidic soils as well. They also will grow where you grass doesn’t, even in shade.

We all know that it’s edible. But here are a few interesting things I didn’t realize. First it’s a natural diuretic, helping the kidneys clear out waste, salt, and excess water. They do this by causing more frequent urination. This helps with blood pressure as well.

It will promote digestion as well. Used as a mild laxative, as well as increasing stomach acid to aid digestion especially of fats. By increasing bile, it helps to protect from gall bladder problems. It also helps to detoxify the liver. Plus so many more benefits.

The leaves are a rich source of beta-carotene which we convert into vitamin A. This flowering plant is also rich in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. There’s just too many good things about this plant. So go on the net…do a bit of searching…find a fact and share it.

It’s best you harvest the leaves early, since once the flower begins to produce seed it becomes bitter to taste. I knew that this plant was used in wine, yet never understood why anyone would bother. My knowledge has been enlightened by this little yellow flower that pops up where you least want it. OK, I’m leaving the majority and going to try some green in a salad.

For Photo Friday, let’s contribute our photos of our dandelion production in are yards…..send them to my email. I can contribute as well.

Linda