It’s that time of year – the leaves are starting to emerge, the land is greening and you start seeing those pops of yellow appear in fields, lawns, and cracks in the sidewalk. The season of the dandelion is upon us, with its jagged green leaves and bold color.
I remember as a girl being fascinated with the dandelion flower – those rough yellow blossoms that would bloom so early in the spring with such abandon, only to morph into a giant fluffy puffball that would break apart in the wind. You want a quintessential picture of a child interacting with nature? I guarantee dandelion fluff will likely be involved.
Dandelions are not native to the Americas – their origins trace back to Europe and Asia. Their name derives from the French ‘dent de lion’, meaning lion’s tooth, which describes the plant’s coarsely-toothed leaves. These plants crossed the ocean with European settlers, who valued them for their many uses.
What uses you ask? It’s actually quite an extensive list.
- Culinary Uses: Every part of the dandelion is edible. The leaves can be tossed into salads for a bitter crunch, reminiscent of arugula. The roots can be dried, roasted, and ground into a coffee substitute, and the flowers can be used to make dandelion wine or syrup. When my youngest was in preschool they used the petals to make dandelion cookies – she’s loved dandelions ever since.
- Medicinal Properties: Traditionally, dandelions have been used to treat a myriad of ailments, from liver disorders to diabetes. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and contain substantial minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
- Soil Health: Dandelions are natural aerators. Their deep tap root loosens hard-packed soil, improves aeration, and reduces erosion.
Honestly, given how useful dandelions are for humans, it’s interesting to track the fall of their reputation to common yard weed – the bane of our manicured lawns. I know I’ve spent my fair share of yard time trying to dig out those taproots, frustrated and annoyed. People also spend a lot on weed killers, putting chemicals into the environment because we want that undisturbed carpet of green lawn.
But now dandelions are making a bit of a comeback, thanks to the growth of the No Mow May movement. I feel the most important aspect of No Mow May is giving people the permission to allow their lawn to grower a little longer and wilder in the spring, essentially breaking that notion that we must be slaves to our lawn the minute the grass starts to grow in. It’s allowing ourselves to be okay with seeing a few or many dandelions, clovers, or other flowering grasses in our lawns. I have found myself starting to disassociate the presence of dandelions with my judgement of the landowner whose yard they populate. Simply put, seeing dandelions or other flowering grasses doesn’t mean a landowner doesn’t care about their yard.
And honestly, many of those who have embraced the idea of No Mow May are just the opposite – they care a lot – particularly about pollinators. Our lawn and ornamental garden obsessions have gotten us to the point where pollinator populations are in severe decline. Grass and non-native ornamental plants generally offer little or subpar food for pollinators.
Dandelions are touted to help provide a ‘first food’ option for our native pollinators when they emerge in the spring, although studies have shown that they also are not an optimal pollen and nectar source. I wish they were, given how pervasive and visible they are in our daily lives.
Still, perhaps the role dandelions play is to help open the window for people starting to think ‘beyond the lawn’ and what supporting our pollinators can actually look like. We’ve seen an explosion of interest in bee lawns in the past couple years. Bee lawns typically consist of low-growing flowers and grasses that are resilient and provide a consistent source of native nectar and pollen. Species such as clover, creeping thyme, and self-heal not only add a splash of color and variety but are also incredibly beneficial for bees and other pollinators. They can be mowed occasionally without significantly disrupting the pollinators’ habitat, making them an ideal choice for eco-conscious gardeners.
Additionally, converting areas of one’s lawn that are less utilized into spaces dedicated to native plants could have a transformative effect on local ecosystems. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil, requiring less water and maintenance than non-native species. They also provide the most nutritious sources of food and habitat for local wildlife, including pollinators. Establishing such areas in one’s landscape not only enhances biodiversity but also creates a sanctuary for beneficial insects, birds, and other creatures.
In the end, my respect for the lowly dandelion has grown. From desired resource to lowly weed to symbolic gateway opening the door to embracing more ecologically-minded yard decisions, it has played a defining role in our surburban and urban landscapes.
Want to learn more about bee lawns?
University of Minnesota Extension: Planting and maintaining a bee lawn
Blue Thumb: Pollinator Lawns
Interested in planting more of your garden for pollinators?
Washington Conservation District: Planting for Clean Water
Blue Thumb: How to Plant for Pollinators and Clean Water
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