by Tim Harry

Created on: May 10, 2010   Last Updated: May 13, 2010

Many people, especially gardeners, hate the appearance of dandelions in the garden, ruining what might otherwise be an immaculate lawn. Generally considered a weed, there is so much about the flower that people do not know, and perhaps with a bit of recognition of its uses, the whole perception of the dandelion would change.

The dandelion is far from being a useless weed. If it were truly useless, would European colonists take it with them all around the world?

Any garden will know that the dandelion is one of the hardiest and most resilient of plants. Using chemicals or digging up the roots is no guarantee that within a few weeks another dandelion will not reappear. It strives to survive, assisted by the fact that thousands of seeds are released by a single dandelion. This hardiness though means that it can grow in many varied locations.

Encouraging a weed to grow may seem like a strange thing to do but it is a truly practical plant. All parts of the dandelion can be put to use. Like a number of plants the dandelion can be used to make colour dyes. The yellow flower can be turned into a yellow fabric or craft dye, whilst the stems will form a vibrant red one.

The dandelion is also edible. Many people use the dandelion as a salad ingredient during the summer, and the leaves can also be lightly cooked for hot meals as well.

The dandelion has also been long revered as an ingredient for a number of drinks, although now uncommon today, dandelions were once used to make a dandelion wine. Today the dandelion though is still drunk as a tea, and also as one of the major ingredients of Dandelion and Burdock.

There are many reasons why the dandelion should be eaten or used in a drink. It is a good source of vitamin A, as well as vitamins B, C and D. Additionally dandelions also contain iron, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. The dandelion has long been used as a remedy for skin problems, as laxatives, and a cold cure. It is of course worth recognising that the dandelion is not for everyone, especially diabetics and pregnant women, as the properties of the dandelion can adversely affect some people.

The dandelion is also a useful plant even when it is not being picked from the garden, simply growing it can be beneficial. The dandelion is often cultivated by beekeepers, as it will provide their bees with a plentiful source of nectar early in the year. Dandelions also emit ethylene gas, a gas that will help fruit to evenly ripen. It is therefore not uncommon to see patches of dandelions growing throughout orchards, helping the fruit that hand above them.

Some people actively encourage dandelions to grow in their gardens, not for any practical reason, but simply because they like the look of the flower. In the eyes of some, the dandelion is simply a miniature sunflower, a golden head that brings colour to the garden.

If people knew just how many uses the dandelion really has, then it would cease to be known as a weed, and would probably be known as a sought after and essential herb.

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