D is for Dandelion and the Dandelion is the Common Weed of the commonweeder blog. I consider the dandelion an important element in my Flowery Mead. The Extension Service might call my lawn a typical weedy patch, but I take a different view. The Flowery Mead also sports many violets which I just learned are important in supporting certain butterflies, clover, ground ivy and hawkweeds.
While many despise the dandelion, they do have many uses. My Swedish grandfather liked them in his salad. Some people cook them like spinach. You can even buy seeds (if you don’t have a neighbor with a Flowery Mead) from Johnny’s Selected Seeds. All around the world, in Europe and China, dandelions are regarded as tonics, and credited with being a laxative, a diuretic, a blood cleanser (so necessary in the Spring), a digetive aid, AND when used in a poultice it can be used on snake bites. It is the root that is used in all these medicinal applications.
The name dandelion is a corruption of the French Dent de Lion, or teeth of the lion, based on the appearance of the jagged leaves. That is one of the reasons I chose the dandelion as symbol of my blog. I am a Leo. Also, the flower is like a little sun, and Leo is one of the Fire signs of the zodiac. It all fits together in my mind.
To see what else begins with D click here.
Lovely informative post! Dandelions in salads are brilliant. Rheas love them too!
I love seeing these bright yellow blooms each spring. They are so cheery.
Your garden makes the Dandelions look beautiful! Very interesting to know that your blog name came from this flower!!
Sue – I am looking forward to those green and dandeliony-y salads.
Lisa – As cheerful as the sun!
Christy – My flowery mead (aka the lawn) is very sunny in may and June.
We also like dandelions. This oft disliked wild flower is not only a useful herbal plant but a great anchor for soils thereby inhibiting erosion. Often referred to as an invasive exotic I find it curious that several Native American tribes have lore that includes this plant.
I love the dandelions! I think they make your garden look friendly, inviting me in!
I let the dandelions grow in my lawn too Pat. They are so pretty really.
I didn’t know this about the dandelion. Interesting! I’ve found quite a few so called ‘weeds’ are pretty. I remember picking dandelions for my mother when I was a kid. I thought they were pretty. 🙂 Interesting that you said they were important for some butterflies. I remember there were lots of butterflies–lady bugs, too when I was a kid. I don’t see so many now.
Your posts are very interesting and informative. I once met a lady who considered dandelions to be beautiful flowers and “grew” them in her yard, much to the annoyance of her neighbours!
Oh if they only occured in the woods they would be considered a pretty wildflower. My husband likes his fescue grass monoculture so we dislike dandelions!
Thanks for dropping by my blog!
Wild Bill – what good information you added. Thanks.
Kate – You’re always invited.
Dee – They are pretty and impossible to remove even if I tried.
Karen – they are pollen rich and very important for many insects.
Gemma – Dandelions are ‘generous’. Seeds everywhere.
viridian61 – no fine turf at the end of the road. Thanks for visiting back.
Our Fresh Market Grocery sells organically grown dandelion greens. Fancy fare!!
Su – Very fancy. You can get them at our food coop in season.