The Humble Dandelion

Some plants are so ubiquitous that we almost lose sight of them; we certainly take them for granted. A classic example of this is the humble Dandelion. Recorded from virtually every square kilometre of the British Isles, the ‘dandelion’ is actually a group of 229 very similar micro-species, adapted to a wide range of habitats but all of them with the ability to spread far and wide by seed. 

Great spring forage for a variety of flower visitors. A honey bee enjoys the nectar produced by the dandelion.

Indeed, they have even abandoned sex, producing fertile seed spontaneously without the need for pollen. Having said that, they are still an excellent resource for pollinating insects, not least because they are in flower almost all year round. 

Hoverfly taking a rest on the bright flower head.

And when left unchecked, as any gardener knows, they flower in abundance.

Dandelion seed head

Being so widespread, the Dandelion has found a firm place in folklore and herbal medicine. Its role as a powerful diuretic is reflected in a range of earthy folk names; ‘pis-en-lit’ in French, for example. 

Dandelion 'clock'

Dandelion pollen

‘Dandelion’, though, comes from ‘dent de lion’ - lion’s tooth, referring to the jagged leaf margins. The scientific name, Taraxacum, comes from the Greek taraxos (disorder), and akos (remedy), reflecting the plant’s long history as a herbal medicine. Due to its diuretic action, it is widely used for kidney disorders, with all parts of the plant being used but especially the root.

The leaves can be eaten as a salad green, the root can be roasted as a substitute for coffee and wine can be made from the flowers. And let us not forget its role in that British classic, Dandelion and Burdock.

All photos copyright Karin Alton (except the last: Steve Alton)