It’s That Time of Year in Northern Colorado…So I’ve Gotta Ask: Are Dandelions a Weed or a Flower?

Are dandelions a weed or a flower? I know, I know, this is a totally random and unimportant question, but frankly, I had no idea what the answer was until I really dug in and did some deep research (I asked Google, and it took me four seconds to find out). Any guesses? Well, the answer isn't so simple as crazy as that sounds. It all depends on your perception. What?! 

Dandelion Facts

• By definition, a weed is a plant that is not wanted where it is.
• Many homeowners (including my husband) consider dandelions in the lawn to be a weed, but dandelions can be planted in the garden.
• Did you know that you can actually eat dandelions and many people do! From dandelion tea to dandelion candy. Who knew?
• You can eat the entire dandelion, from the root to the flower and everything in between...so...the stem.
• The word Dandelion means lion's tooth because of its jagged leaves.

For some people, the dandelion is a pest that never stops popping up. In fact, if you don’t remove the entire root of the dandelion while pulling it, it will grow right back in record time. Some negative folks even call it “the cockroach of plants.”

But I choose to look at the dandelion as a flower that not only looks beautiful but is also 100% edible. I’ve actually had a salad with raw dandelion, and it was very refreshing!

So I guess this is a life lesson in how you choose to perceive things. My hubby spends his summer days yanking dandelions out of the ground, while I choose to admire the beauty of the yellow flower. Yes, a flower, not a weed.