A Weed is but an Unloved Flower
An argument for the charms of the lowly dandelion.
Enjoy this essay read by your stalwart writer, instead of AI!
Hello, Friend,
I’ve always wondered why the lowly dandelion inspires such rancor. It's such a happy little flower. What's so great about lawns anyway? I find them pedantic and dull. I wouldn't mind at all if my yard was filled with cheerful yellow flowers dancing in the spring breezes.
Feel free to send your dandelions to me, as I will treasure them.
The name dandelion is derived from the French ‘dent de lion’ or ‘tooth of the lion.’ This refers to the jagged edges of the leaves. Dandelions weren’t always considered weeds, people planted them on purpose! The entire plant from root to tip is edible and filled with nutrients. The roots can be roasted, ground, and made into a coffee substitute. The flower petals can be fermented into wine. Dandelions have been used for medicinal purposes across the globe for centuries. The long taproots bring nutrients up from the deeper soil to sustain plants with more shallow roots. It’s a valuable early spring bloomer for pollinators and a quality food source for a variety of wildlife.
As if the brilliant yellow sunburst of this flower isn't enough, the dandelion surprises us with the magical second stage of its lifespan. Who hasn’t made a wish with eyes closed and heart open to tentatively watch the little seedlings flitter and float scattering our wishes into the universe?
Close your eyes, count to three, make a wish, and set it free!
I think our obsession with order and perfection is misguided. The dandelion reminds us it is okay to be who we really are without apology or shame. Do you really want to be another blade in a sea of green grass, mown into submission, or a defiant little flower rising up through the sameness? A feisty weed, inching through the cold soil, stretching petals towards the light, unfolding, becoming, and changing as it grows. Strong and soft. Hearty and beautiful. Resilient and resourceful. Shouting, “Hello world! I’m here!”
“A weed is but an unloved flower.” Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The tooth of the lion overflowing with joie de vivre and infused with a Bohemian spirit. I love the lowly dandelion, therefore it is not a weed.
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My Grandma used to make dandelion wine every summer and when I was little and it was finally ready she let me have a tiny bit in a little footed glass that was only used for that once a year. I still miss her.
I think I'm definitely a dandelion in the lawn of life.
Dandelions are beautiful and the leaves are delicious. My mom use to make them in place of wilted lettuce as they have the same flavor or fried in butter...miss my mom! I still make wishes on the seedlings....wishes do come true if you believe! Hugs and sparkle ✨️ 💖