The cherry yellow flowers on your yard might be dandelions. Dandelions, in the United States, are considered weeds. Weeds have to be eliminated, though they seem to look good on the front yard. Sadly, I wonder why they are considered weeds. Just because they grow on your lawn and perhaps "pollute" your "very green" yard, it doesn't mean they don't beautify the place. They do. Watch them in early morning when they are in full bloom, aren't they beautiful?
This year, the dandelions grow by the dozen on our lawn. Despite the fact that I like looking at them, they have to be mowed. Considered weeds by most gardeners and lawn owners, Brookings law dictates "yards must be green" - in other words - "get rid of the dandelions!"Don't you know that dandelions have several uses too? Here are few facts.1. It is a medicinal herb.
2. It is a leaf vegetable. The leaves can be eaten cooked or raw in various forms, such as in soup or salad. The leaves are high in vitamin A, vitamin C and iron, carrying more iron and calcium than spinach.
3. Dandelion flowers can be made as dandelion wine.
4. Ground roasted dandelion root can be used as a coffee substitute.
5. A leaf decoction can be drunk to "purify the blood", for the treatment of anemia, jaundice, and also for nervousness.
6. "Dandelion and Burdock" is a soft drink that has long been popular in the United Kingdom with authentic recipes sold by health food shops.
7. The milky latex/extract has been used as a mosquito repellent.
8. Dandelion contains luteolin, an antioxidant, and has demonstrated antioxidant properties.
So stop the dandelion massacre. Leave them alone. Make use of them. They only appear on spring and summer, that is so short a time to even appreciate them.
Labels: Brookings South Dakota
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