City Cast

All About Dandelions

Adrian González
Adrian González
Posted on June 27
A fuzzy little bumblebee eats from a yellow dandelion.

A fuzzy little bumblebee eats from a dandelion. (Photo by Stefan Steinbauer on Unsplash)

A rainy spring season means everything is growing abundantly, including dandelions. These pretty little flowers have earned a bad reputation, but as xeriscaping increases in popularity and ideas about lawns in Colorado’s climate evolve, it might be worth giving dandelions another chance.

🤓 That’s Mister Taraxacology to You

That’s the term for the scientific and hobby study of dandelions. I just learned it, but it’s my new passion.

🐝 Love at First Buzz

Dandelions are an essential food source for pollinators, especially in areas with little to no flowers for them to survive.

💪  A Lesson in Resilience

Dandelions are quick to flower and self-seed, which can make them a nuisance under certain conditions. If you must get rid of them, start with non-chemical solutions first, like digging the plants out individually. The roots are often awkwardly positioned and can regenerate if they’re not fully removed, so get yourself a specialized tool. If the growing persists or is out of control, you may need to upgrade to a weedkiller.

😋 Yes, They’re Edible.

Research has found that dandelions contain chemicals that can help with inflammation and digestion. Always be mindful of what you’re consuming  and ask your doctor if adding dandelions to your diet is safe for you.

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