Common DandelionTaraxacum officinale
(ta-RAKS-uh-kum) (oh-fiss-ih-NAH-lee)
Synonyms: Leontodon taraxacum, Lion's Tooth, Bitterwort, Chicoria, Fortune-Teller, Wild Endive, Puffball, Pee in the Bed, Blowball, Cankerwort, Swinesnout
This flower is the bane of lawn gardeners but after taking this picture I decided to find out a little more about it. Its first mention is by doctors in the Middle East in the 10th and 11th century although its history in China probably goes further back than that. It was introduced to North America by European settlers and found the ground to their liking. It chief medical use is for liver and kidney complaints. It is also used for salads, beer, wine and honey making. The plant contains calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. The next time I am eradicating a large number of dandelions I will certainly have a little more respect.
“The miracles of nature do not seem miracles because they are so common. If no one had ever seen a flower, even a dandelion would be the most startling event in the world.”
See more flowers from all over the world at Today’s Flowers .
For today’s bonus picture here is a shot of a white Crabapple and some Mother’s Day red azaleas blooming this spring at one of the houses we take care of. No one could pull in without commenting on the combination. The Crabapple variety is unknown but it was very fragrant.
