Dandelion is not your average weed...
For us avid gardeners, rain means less work (ie no watering for at least a day). But it also means when it is done raining everything is going to have a growth spurt again including the weeds. Now I don't know about you, but I like weeds because most of the plants we call weeds are really not. Take dandelions for instance, the nutrient value in these compact little plants are amazing! Their name is really Taraxacum officinal, meaning “the official remedy for disorders”, it is a perennial herb with a long, brown taproot. Oh I know for most of you they are a nuisance weed that you pull, cut, or poison so they do not return to your lawn. But do you realize the health benefits from this one plant alone? Don't take my word for it, here is what the University of Maryland Medical Center had to say:
Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Dandelion leaves are used to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and teas. The roots are used in some coffee substitutes, and the flowers are used to make wines, jams, in salads and even as an addition to lemonade!
Traditionally, dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also boiled dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and upset stomach. In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion has been used to treat stomach problems, appendicitis, and breast problems, such as inflammation or lack of milk flow. In Europe, it was used in remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and diarrhea.
To Read more: Dandelions Or for a Natural Herb view: Dandelion Herb
So the whole plant is useful...hmmm doesn't sound like a weed to me. Especially when you see a hay field come into bloom full of Dandelions - it is like a golden sea has erupted right in the middle of green pasture.
They also have a way of making you happy - as a child you can't wait to pop off the heads or rush to a puff ball and see if you can blow off all the seeds at once! As adults we are the receivers of many Dandelion bouquets and who doesn't like one of those when it is presented by a little girl in pigtails and a smile as large as the sky?
Believe it or not, many of you who buy salad mix at your grocery store are eating this very "weed" in your mix! I personally have a plant pot that a Dandelion found two summers ago. I never pulled it out and every year now I get a beautiful large leafed plant that lasts all summer. I can't imagine what the root system looks like as the leaves are longer than my arms!
So all in all I personally would not consider them weeds but a beneficial perennial plant that can be used both as food and for medicinal purposes...and welcome in my garden anytime. I bet you can't say that about your petunias now can you?
Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Dandelion leaves are used to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and teas. The roots are used in some coffee substitutes, and the flowers are used to make wines, jams, in salads and even as an addition to lemonade!
Traditionally, dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also boiled dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and upset stomach. In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion has been used to treat stomach problems, appendicitis, and breast problems, such as inflammation or lack of milk flow. In Europe, it was used in remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and diarrhea.
To Read more: Dandelions Or for a Natural Herb view: Dandelion Herb
So the whole plant is useful...hmmm doesn't sound like a weed to me. Especially when you see a hay field come into bloom full of Dandelions - it is like a golden sea has erupted right in the middle of green pasture.
They also have a way of making you happy - as a child you can't wait to pop off the heads or rush to a puff ball and see if you can blow off all the seeds at once! As adults we are the receivers of many Dandelion bouquets and who doesn't like one of those when it is presented by a little girl in pigtails and a smile as large as the sky?
Believe it or not, many of you who buy salad mix at your grocery store are eating this very "weed" in your mix! I personally have a plant pot that a Dandelion found two summers ago. I never pulled it out and every year now I get a beautiful large leafed plant that lasts all summer. I can't imagine what the root system looks like as the leaves are longer than my arms!
So all in all I personally would not consider them weeds but a beneficial perennial plant that can be used both as food and for medicinal purposes...and welcome in my garden anytime. I bet you can't say that about your petunias now can you?