Dandelions are good for your lawn. Their wide-spreading roots loosen hard-packed soil , aerate the earth and help reduce erosion. The deep taproot pulls nutrients such as calcium from deep in the soil and makes them available to other plants. Dandelions actually fertilize the grass.
Why do we have dandelions?
They’ve found a niche in nature — because they’re one of the first plants to flower in spring, they play an important role as an early source of pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinating insects. Early flowering dandelions help bees and other pollinators.
Why are dandelions so special?
Dandelion makes the only flower representing three celestial bodies during different phases of its life cycle – sun, moon, stars. The yellow flower of the plant resembles the sun, the dispersing seeds of the plant resemble stars, and the puff ball of dandelion plant resembles the moon.
Why is dandelion bad?
In our lawns, the dandelion is just a nuisance. Their roots can grow up to 2 feet long and are brittle , so they easily break off if you try to pull them. If you don’t remove the whole root, they will grow up again. ... That’s why your yard could be weed free one year and a field of dandelions the next.
What dandelion can cure?
However, in traditional herbal medicine practices, dandelion are revered for their wide array of medicinal properties. For centuries, they’ve been used to treat a myriad of physical ailments, including cancer, acne, liver disease and digestive disorders .
Can you eat dandelions from your yard?
Dandelion greens are also edible . The best time to harvest the leaves is when they are still young and tender, before the plant begins to flower. Tender leaves taste great when chopped fresh into salad. As the leaves grow older they become increasingly bitter.
What part of the dandelion is poisonous?
Dandelion leaves poisoning
However, we should consider that dandelion leaves, which can be eaten as a vegetable, are rich in oxalates so, taken in large quantity, can cause damage to the body. Poisoning have also been reported in children from eating dandelion stems. These stalks contain much latex.
What is special about the dandelion?
Here are some interesting facts about the dandelion flower:
The dandelion is the only flower that represents the 3 celestial bodies of the sun, moon and stars . ... The dandelion flower opens to greet the morning and closes in the evening to go to sleep. Every part of the dandelion is useful: root, leaves, flower.
Should I pull dandelions?
The best way to attack dandelions is to kill the whole plant, taproot and all, and then keep new weeds from establishing themselves in your lawn. ... Don’t hand pull them , as they will grow right back unless the tap root (often 2-3 feet deep) is completely removed.
What does dandelion symbolize?
As a bright yellow but humble flower, the Dandelion is a symbol of growth, hope, and healing . The greatest meaning and symbolism of the Dandelion flower comes from its unique puff-ball seed head rather than the sunny flower. ... This has given the flower a strong association with hope, optimism, and wishes.
What happens when you cut or mow a dandelion?
Although dandelions that have been mowed down will grow back, destroying developing flowers before they are able to mature into seed distributors prevents the opportunity for new germination. ... If the root is left intact, the plant will return, so care must be taken to withdraw each dandelion completely.
Are dandelions important?
Dandelions are an important source of food for wildlife .
The flowers provide nectar for nearly 100 species of insects, while the seeds and leaves feed over 30 species of birds, chipmunks, and other wildlife.
Is it OK to drink dandelion tea everyday?
According to Keene, many people drink dandelion tea daily (with some drinking it up to four times per day). “[Drinking dandelion tea] any time of day is completely fine because it is caffeine-free, but there are two times of the day I would recommend not having it,” instructs Ross.
What are the side effects of dandelion?
What are the side effects of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)? Side effects of Taraxacum officinale are abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, heartburn, increased heart rate, bruising and bleeding, excessive urination , and increased potassium levels (hyperkalemia).
Is dandelion a blood thinner?
Dandelion might slow blood clotting . Taking dandelion along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
