Dandelion (taraxacum officinale)
Let's take a journey with the prolific Dandelion (taraxacum officinale). We'll start with the perfect globe of feathery seeds patiently awaiting a puff of wind or the breath of an eager child. Each tiny white parachute that's blown aloft carries a seed and can travel for several miles on the wind.
Each flower head holds 150 to 200 seeds. A single mature plant can make thousands of seeds per year with a viability of several years.
The seed contains the next generation of the plant housing the DNA, the energy needed to begin growing the enzymes, protective structure and live embryo to make it grow.
Seeds must find the ideal combination of light, oxygen, temperature and moisture. When everything is just right, they will germinate in about 5 to 10 days, sending down their tap route while new leaves unfold into daylight.
Dandelion thrives in full sun but can tolerate some shade. This abundant and tenacious plant is highly adaptable to grow in nearly any soil type. But, like a lot of plants, they prefer moist, well drained, nutrient rich soil. Dandelions are resilient to compact soil, drought and frequent mowing. The deep tap root of this perennial, reaching anywhere from 6 inches to 3 feet.
Rosettes of vibrant green leaves soon send up stems, each holding a single flower bud. When dandelions bloom it's hard not to notice the bright yellow flowers. But in early morning before the sunshine, it can be difficult to spot them. The flowers tuck their petals into "sleep" during the night, closing up to help conserve energy, protect pollen from dew and avoid freezing. Dandelions also closed during rain or cloudy weather.
When warm sun rays begin to shine on the flowers, they will open up, spreading their own yellow rays out to invite bees for breakfast. This process of closing flowers is known as nyctinasty.
What a remarkable plant!
Every part from root to flower is edible. Antioxidant flowers are sprinkled in salads made into jelly, simple syrup or tossed in pancake batter. And of course dandelion wine! Using only the pedals as the sepals can be bitter.
The tender spring leaves (shade grown are less bitter) can be mixed raw into salads, stir fried or sautéed to mellow and used like spinach.
Nutrient-dense leaves are full of vitamins - A, C, K and E, along with iron, potassium, calcium, flavonoids and phenolic acids. They also have diuretic properties and are blood cleansing.
Not only do the deep roots help aerate soil, they also bring up nutrients from deep down. They are delicious when dried and roasted to brew into a robust tea full of minerals and nutrients. And the roots host many health benefits.
The enzymes help replenish and rejuvenate our bodies by detoxifying. Supportive of liver health, aids digestion, reduces inflammation and acts as a natural diuretic. Has mild anti-virals to boost the immune system. Nutritive, apoptogenic and can be lightly laxative, as well.
Wildlife knows and appreciates this amazing plant too. A sought after boost of nutrients for many animals, including bears. Snowshoe hares relish the stems and dewy seed heads. Birds also indulge and bees love the flowers!
We can all smile at the cheery blossoms and then pick a puff ball, make a wish and blow the next generation onto a new journey of growth.
Note: people with Ragweed allergies may be sensitive to dandelion.