by Celia Craske

Created on: April 18, 2009

A weed is generally defined as any plant that is growing in a place where it is not wanted; theoretically, therefore, any plant could be regarded as a weed .if by chance it should end up in the wrong border. Generally, though when we talk of weeds we are referring to particular plants such as the dandelion.

Possibly more than any other weed, the dandelion is regarded as the bane of the gardener's life. Daisies come a close second but probably because they are smaller and more delicate, they do not

When it comes to survival in the plant kingdom, the dandelion leaves other plants standing; it will grow almost anywhere from immaculately manicured lawns to country fields and lanes. It will even take root in the pavement; if there is the minutest crack in the stone.

To enable it to hold such a powerful position, the dandelion has a number of things in it's favour. The root system of the plant reaches far into the ground making it impossible to pull it out by hand, digging it out is also largely unsuccessful. The reason for this, is that a new plant will grow from every section of root that is left in the ground. Digging them out is therefore an extremely laborious task and not guaranteed to be totally successful, no matter how meticulous you are. The other alternative, apart from just ignoring them, is to use a systemic weed killer. Unfortunately, due to the plants method of transmitting it's seeds, any elimination method will probably prove to be only temporary.

Everyone is familiar with the dandelion clock, the delicate white globe with a tiny parachute on the end of every seed. Even without the assistance of children blowing on these clocks in an attempt to forecast the time, the wind will carry them to a new spot.

Despite the gardener's hatred of them, dandelions have several things in their favour. All parts of the plant are edible; the leaves can be added to a salad or lightly sauted, the flowers can dipped in batter and deep-fried, while the roots can be roasted and ground to make dandelion coffee (or tea, as it is sometimes known).

There is another reason why I believe the dandelion does not deserve to be as maligned as it is; it is one of the first plants to appear after the cold months of winter. As I walk my dog in the open spaces around me there are no signs of the many wild flowers that will cover the ground in a few months; what there is, are the bright sunshine yellow flowers of the dandelion bringing colour to even an overcast day.

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