Springtime is finally here. Flowers and the trees are blooming, the grass has turned green, and the birds chirp happily.
And along with that, bright yellow dandelion flowers dot many lawns, filling the yards with sun-like color. We usually think of this plant as a weed, to be snuffed out with chemicals, or dug up, roots and all. For centuries, the dandelion, or technically taraxacum officinale, was revered for its medicinal properties and its beauty. That all seemed to change once manicured grass lawns became a sign of wealth and prestige.
But once you learn the dandelion’s benefits, you may want to plant them rather than poison them. For dandelions have many practical and beneficial uses.
Dandy uses
For starters, eating them (or drinking tea made from them) is really good for your body. According to webmd.com, they’re a good source of beta-carotene, magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamin A, and zinc. They even provide antioxidants, reduce inflammation, and have diuretic properties.
Partaking of them
I had never eaten dandelions from the yard (except maybe a time or two when I was a kid). So yesterday for the sake of this blog, I went into our backyard, which we don’t treat with any chemicals, and plucked a dandelion flower and a leaf from the plant. I rinsed the flower off, pulled out a piece of the blossom and ate. It wasn’t bad. I also ate a leaf. It was a bit bitter, but didn’t taste bad. I can easily see myself mixing them in with greens, topping them with dressing, and eating them regularly.
A word of caution if you’re on any medications, check with your doctor before eating dandelion as there could be interactions. And if you want to pick them yourself, be sure to only eat them if there’s no run off from chemically-treated yards.
Alternatively, you can purchase them. Some grocery stores carry fresh dandelions in the produce section (though I don’t think any in my area do). Or, you can find dandelion tea or supplements. (I did a search and even found packaged dandelion tea at our local Target).
Assisting the lawn
In addition to benefits for our bodies, dandelions help our lawns too. According to Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners, they’re great for pollinators, providing both pollen and nectar. They are among the first flowers every year, which helps bees. The long tap roots of dandelions improve soil by bringing nutrients, including calcium, to the surface. They reduce erosion, and they help loosen compacted soil.
Changing the mindset
Dandelions also make spending time outside more enjoyable. The flowers smell so good, and they add color to the yard. (I especially love when violets dot the yard along with the yellow dandelions. So pretty!). They make excellent (though temporary) jewelry too. When she was younger, my daughter and I used to make necklaces out of dandelions and wild violets that grew in the yard. Just tie their stems together, and voila!
So if you’re thinking about using weed killer to get rid of dandelions, perhaps stop and relax. Pick up one of their puffballs. Make a wish, blow on the puffball, and watch the seeds blow and drift through the air.
Gina Parsons - Writer 