Celebrating Dandelions
The word dandelion comes from the French ‘dent de lion’, meaning lion’s tooth. Some call them weeds as they are able to multiply and grow prolifically across the most manicured of gardens. Dandelions are, in fact, herbs.
History
Dandelions are thought to have originated around 30 million years ago, in what is now Europe. They have long been known for their many uses. Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used them as medicine and food. Pilgrims on board the Mayflower took dandelions to North America because of their medicinal properties. It is thought that this is how dandelions were first introduced to the region. In days before lawns, when dandelions were lauded for their healing properties, people would weed grass to make room for the yellow flowers.
Health
Dandelion leaves have greater nutritional value than many other foods. A 2014 study ranked dandelion greens as number 16 in the top 41 nutritious foods. An excellent source of vitamins K, C, and A, they also provide vitamin E, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. The myth that cows’ milk is suitable for human consumption remains embedded in today’s society. But dandelion leaves hold more than twice as much calcium as a glass of milk, and are much safer to eat (assuming no pesticides).
The entire dandelion can be consumed, so nothing goes to waste. The green parts can be eaten raw or cooked. Flowers and roots can be dried, then used to make dandelion tea. Potential health benefits include reducing inflammation, helping blood sugar management, maintaining liver health, supporting weight loss, and reducing cholesterol.
Nature
Left to grow, dandelions provide food for a range of creatures. Some species of butterfly and moth need the leaves for their caterpillars. Bees, and other insects use the flower for pollen and nectar. And the seeds are an important food for birds. Dandelions are also good for the soil. As their taproots extend so deep, they release nutrients which are then shared by plants with shorter roots.
Dandelions are nyctinastic. That is, they follow a diurnal (24 hour) cycle, opening with the sun and closing at night. They also close in anticipation of rain, to protect their pollen and prevent the nectar from being diluted.
Dandelion seeds hold the record for the furthest travelled seed in the plant world. They have been recorded as flying up to 100 kilometres (62 miles). The shape and composition of the seed creates a vortex, which keeps the seed in flight for incredible distances.
Myth and Legend
The term dandelion clock refers to the seed head. A popular game is to count the number of puffs needed to disperse all the seeds. The number of puffs represents the time (in hours).
Another legend is that if you make a wish, and blow all the seeds from the head in one breath, your wish will come true.
Dandelions are said to be the Flower Angel’s favourite flower. There are various versions of the story. I particularly like this one – Tell-It Tuesday: The Legend of the Dandelion.
Finally
Neither myth, nor legend, dandelions were used in World War II! Allied forces harvested milk from their stems to make rubber tyres.
The dandelion is the official flower of military children. Like the dandelion, military children go where they are taken, grow resilient, and survive in many different environments.
Gardeners might not like them, but there’s much to commend dandelions. Perhaps this is the year we can help nature, by giving dandelions a chance to flourish.
