PLANT OF THE MONTH: THE DANDELION
But most gardeners are far from happy when these plants appear in their garden. "Pests!" Weeds!" they say and try to get rid of them.
What's a WEED, anyway?
Weeds are plants that grow with gusto, spread out all over the place and sometimes take over by simply "squeezing" other plants out. So...
dandelions are weeds, that's true, but there are plenty of reasons to LOVE the dandelions. It's a really smart plant! Scroll down to check it out and see for your self!
What's a WEED, anyway?
Weeds are plants that grow with gusto, spread out all over the place and sometimes take over by simply "squeezing" other plants out. So...
dandelions are weeds, that's true, but there are plenty of reasons to LOVE the dandelions. It's a really smart plant! Scroll down to check it out and see for your self!
The leaves start out from the same point at the base, growing in what's called a rosette pattern. They are smooth and deep green on both sides. They're also just loaded with nutrition!
The newer, little ones coming up from the middle taste best. Give them a try.
But ALWAYS ask a grown-up before you pop anything in your mouth that grows out here in nature! Some things may look good, but be very bad for you.
The dandelion flower is made up of lots of tiny flowers called florets. This makes it a composite flower.
The flower blooms for several days to make sure bees and other insects pollinate it.
The stem is hollow like a tube with a milky stuff inside. It's wider at the bottom than the top. As the flower gets ready to turn into a puffball, the stem grows taller than the rest of the plant. That way the wind can blow the seeds far and wide. Smart plant, right?
You can also make a chain from the dandelion stems. Look in the "Fun Stuff" option.
The flower blooms for several days to make sure bees and other insects pollinate it.
The stem is hollow like a tube with a milky stuff inside. It's wider at the bottom than the top. As the flower gets ready to turn into a puffball, the stem grows taller than the rest of the plant. That way the wind can blow the seeds far and wide. Smart plant, right?
You can also make a chain from the dandelion stems. Look in the "Fun Stuff" option.
Once the flower has been fertilized, it closes up for the last time. Special little green leaves called bracts protect it. Lots of things go on inside.
The yellow petals wither and disappear. Seeds start to form and a thin stem is attached to each one. At the top of every stem is a circle of fine hairs.
When it's all ready and the weather is dry, the seed head opens into a perfect round puffball.
Each seed can then fly off with its very own little parachute. Imagine how many new dandelion plants can come from just ONE flower!
The yellow petals wither and disappear. Seeds start to form and a thin stem is attached to each one. At the top of every stem is a circle of fine hairs.
When it's all ready and the weather is dry, the seed head opens into a perfect round puffball.
Each seed can then fly off with its very own little parachute. Imagine how many new dandelion plants can come from just ONE flower!
Almost all plants have a root system. Roots suck up moisture and nutrients from the ground. They also keep the plants from blowing around or being washed away. The root of a dandelion grows straight down in one piece. This is called a taproot.
The unhappy gardeners who want to get rid of the plant, have to make sure they get the ENTIRE root. Because if one tiny piece is left in the ground, it grows a whole new plant! The root is also edible. You can bake it. Roast it and peel it. For that matter, you can practically eat the whole plant!
Some new, tender green leaves for salad, roasted roots for the main course and a few sips of dandelion-tea all together make a nice meal. And then, if you want to dress up for dinner, you can wear a dandelion chain with flowers around your neck. Amazing plant, this dandelion! And this they call a WEED! We'll show you how to make a dandelion-chain. Check under "Fun Stuff" option.
The unhappy gardeners who want to get rid of the plant, have to make sure they get the ENTIRE root. Because if one tiny piece is left in the ground, it grows a whole new plant! The root is also edible. You can bake it. Roast it and peel it. For that matter, you can practically eat the whole plant!
Some new, tender green leaves for salad, roasted roots for the main course and a few sips of dandelion-tea all together make a nice meal. And then, if you want to dress up for dinner, you can wear a dandelion chain with flowers around your neck. Amazing plant, this dandelion! And this they call a WEED! We'll show you how to make a dandelion-chain. Check under "Fun Stuff" option.