10. Dandelions are cute and fun
First of all, they are freakin’ adorable. I love to walk out in my yard and see all the shiny, yellow faces. For me, the sight of them is one of those things like hearing a baby laugh, cuddling a puppy, or watching panda bear cubs at play; all so delightful you just can’t be in a bad mood and experience them at the same time.
9. Dandelions provide food for pollinators and birds
Dandelions provide pollen and nectar and are a great early spring resource for butterflies and bees. Some bird species enjoy dandelion seed as part of their diet. We all love birds and butterflies and enjoy having them around. If you’re not crazy about bees, just remember that we’d be in big trouble without them and they currently need our help!
8. Dandelions benefit the soil
Dandelions have very deep taproots, reaching depths of 10 to 15 feet beneath the surface. Because their roots run so deep, they pull up nutrients that might not otherwise be reached by surrounding plants and grasses. As the roots move down into the earth, they loosen the ground and aerate the soil as well. Dandelions grow well in broken soil that needs mending. Nothing but good comes of this humble plant.
7. Dandelions have an interesting history
Dandelions have moved all over the world, both through careful planning as well as by accidental means. Their usage has been noted all the way back to Roman times. It is thought they were intentionally introduced to the Americas in the 17th century for medicinal purposes by the Puritans who traveled from England to settle here. You can thank explorers and settlers of Spanish descent for their numbers in California and Mexico, and the French visitors did their part in spreading dandelion seed to Canada.
6. The seed-state of the Dandelions makes a great, natural, non-toxic kid’s toy
Who doesn’t feel nostalgic at picking a mature dandelion and launching its seeds into flight with your own gentle breath? As a child, I found this activity to be magical. And it is really. How amazing is it that these tiny, parachuting, fairy-like seeds will land somewhere, and perhaps begin a new dandelion life?
5. Leaving them in place saves you money
You can google dandelion eradication and get a number of hits for products that will help you rid yourself of this “menace.” One site suggested that if the “infestation” is bad enough, you might just go ahead and kill all the plants in the entire lawn and start over. The article title claimed to have great advice on how to keep a lush green lawn. This is craziness. Once all the flora has been annihilated, you’ll be required to constantly keep the chemical fertilizers coming for your lifeless dirt. And this procedure ensures the dirt inhabitants that keep the soil living and viable won’t have a chance to make a comeback. Once your dirt is dead, you’re hooked forever, needing a constant supply of artificial soil enhancements to keep that great green grass looking just as good as Mr. and Mrs. Jones’ next door. All the while, the herbicide and fertilizer companies are posting more articles about green grass and laughing all the way to the bank.
Save your money! Get to liking dandelions!
4. Leaving them in place saves you time
So, you plan to take on your dandelions one plant at a time, dutifully digging deeply to get all the root, so that in the evening, you can kick back and nurse your sore back while you survey your freshly pocked, dandelion-free yard. I can think of about 120 things I’d rather do! Take a walk, play with your kids, go on a hike, plant something, make a dandelion salad — anything other than all that unnecessary work!
3. They are easy to grow
Dandelions are a great addition to your yard/garden. They grow with absolutely no effort on the gardener’s part. All you need do is let them be.
2. They are good for your skin
Dandelions have astringent properties. I pick them, always leaving one flower head for each two I harvest. I set them on a cloth to give any critters that happened to be riding along a chance to climb off. You can leave them laying out flat to dry and save for later or use them fresh.
Dandelion Body Oil
If using fresh, fill a mason jar with dandelion flowers. If using dried flowers, fill the jar half full. Pour coconut, olive, or jojoba oil over the flowers to fill the jar. Cap with a lid, and leave in a cool, dark place. After two weeks, strain the oil, squeezing the dandelions to get out all the goodie, then discard the spent flowers. Add a few drops of your essential oils of choice to the new mixture or use the oil as is.
1. You can eat them!
Every part of the dandelion is edible and useful. The flowers and leaves are great in salads and stir-fries, and the roots make a healthful tea.
Dandelions have a pleasantly bitter taste. Pick the young leaves as they are the tastiest. From them, you’ll get a good boost of vitamins A, C, and K, plus Folate, Calcium, and Potassium. And, they provide antioxidants and offer anti-inflammatory properties. Be sure the dandelions you harvest have not been sprayed with chemical poisons or fertilizers!
Fried Dandelion Heads
Plunge dandelion flowers into your favorite pancake batter, then fry to a golden brown and serve with syrup.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324083#10-possible-health-benefits