Right now, dandelions are in full bloom in many places in the country, and research from Stockholm University shows that the flower affects nature more than previously thought.
The dandelion, which many people mainly see as a nuisance weed, is beneficial to over 200 insect species, according to plant biologist Yannick Woudstra.
It also tolerates frost, road salt, and temperature fluctuations – and blooms early, so that other plants get a chance to take over.
Thrives in cities
Cities, with their milder winters and warmer climate, suit the dandelion perfectly.
I call the dandelion the king of the urban jungle. It is a pioneer in urban environments and paves the way for other plants and insects, says Yannick Woudstra.
It's enough with a small crack in the asphalt for a dandelion to get a long taproot that can reach water and nutrients in the soil under the road surface. Moreover, it thrives almost anywhere, such as in sidewalk cracks, road edges, and gravel.
By growing low, the flower also avoids being damaged by pedestrians and lawn mowing. It is, in other words, very vital – and difficult to get rid of, which Yannick Woudstra believes contributes to its unpopularity.
Edible
Historically, the dandelion has served medical purposes. Since it has diuretic properties, pregnant women have been helped by chewing on dandelion leaves to get rid of excess fluid – simply by urinating more.
In French, the dandelion is called pissenlit, which means something like wetting the bed. Those who ate dandelion leaves probably wet themselves at night, which is perhaps why it got its name, says Yannick Woudstra.
For the curious, it is also possible to eat dandelion leaves – they have a high content of vitamin C, a sour taste, and are often eaten in salads.
But for safety's sake, one should not eat dandelions that grow near a road, as they may be contaminated.
