Dandelions. Friend or Foe?

We moved from central Milwaukee to an overgrown five acres early in my life. I was maybe four or five when our new neighbor “hired” my siblings and I to pick dandelions on our property. He wanted to make dandelion wine and would pay us a penny per head. I don’t think he actually paid us -there’s no way he counted each flower. Maybe he settled up with my siblings and they took my cut. 

I remember crouching in long, lush grass beheading those thick flowers, rubbing the yellow on our arms and faces. I remember that strong green smell, the bitter stem milk. I recall getting bored. There’s only so much “do you like butter” and “mama had a baby...” one can take. When I thought we were done, he said, “Oh no, I’m gonna need way more than that.” We may have only picked for a few hours, but it felt like an eternity because fun turned into work. That beautiful sea of a million yellow flowers now overwhelmed me. 

But I don’t remember ever being surrounded by so many dandelions again. 

National Dandelion Day is April 5th!

If you missed Weed Appreciation Day like I did (March 28), then let’s give the “lion’s tooth” a little nod on National Dandelion Day (April 5). Is this hearty plant your friend or foe?  

To their credit, dandelions can be useful. Lore has them coming over on the Mayflower as food and medicine – humans globally have used the plant in these capacities for ages. Dandelions are a sure sign of spring; sunny faces that brighten up the place after many gray days. They tell you it’s safe for spring crops* and attract pollinators. Their presence also gives you soil information. Dandelions indicate compacted earth that’s low in calcium, something their calcium-rich leaves and deep roots aim to correct. ** They grow well in excess nitrogen and slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.  

On the flipside, dandelions are an invasive, non-native plant. They take up real estate where native plants could thrive. If you’re looking to pinch out your dandelion crop, give them some competition with early bloomers like Golden Alexanders, Hairy Beardtongue, or Prairie Smoke. Consider replacing part of your current turf with native grasses and wildflowers that match your terrain and climate.  

Although touted as “bees first food”, dandelions primarily support non-native bees.  Flowering trees like redbuds, serviceberries, and wild plum can provide an excellent food source for native pollinators.   

I personally leave dandelions alone. While taking advantage of cheap child labor, my neighbor also taught me an early lesson in foraging. I enjoy using what my property offers, even weeds. I like the color in our rarely mowed lawn, and they stay in my garden to grow roots for tea.  

Or... you could always make wine. Let me know how many dandelion heads you really needed and how much you paid your pickers. Perhaps you can convince them it’s “family fun time”. 

*A “Dandy” Approach to Planting Times 

**Anne of All Trades’ gives a great overview of what weeds say about your soil. She recommends making a tea from pulled greens to return needed nutrients.