You must log in or # to comment.
I thought dandelions were now recognized as not a great food source for bees
We converted most of our yard into a native wildflower garden and I see a lot of bees these days. We also get fireflies in the summer now.
This! Dandelion pollen does not contain all the amino acids necessary to support native bees. However, because they come up first and bees often become attracted to the first things they feed on, they can actually make bees addicted to them. Because they can’t meet their nutritional requirements with them, they die.
Plant native plants people!
Thank you, I’ll look into that and consider the impact of it on my beliefs :)
The source that used brings is based on oral knowledge and communication. Others in that thread point out how that type of knowledge is not sufficient to make a scientific claim, and I would agree with that.
I’d say the jury is still out on whether dandelions are native to NA or not.
Native where?
Fair point. I’m speaking from a North American perspective, but others have pointed out they may be a native or long naturalized plant.
Ultimately, planting species that are from your local area is better for the native bees of of your area as they are adapted to them.
Dandelions are now basically considered native around most of the globe. There is compelling evidence both ethnobotany and genetic that dandelion are native to both Eurasia and North America.
Best gardening definition I have heard:
if it grows and you didn’t want to, it’s a weed
if it doesn’t grow and you wanted it to, it’s a flower
What are the other two called?
- If it grows and you wanted it to
- If it doesn’t grow and you didn’t want it to
A “success” and “not a problem”
What they said ^
I was in my teens before I discovered that “weed” just meant “plant you don’t want.” There is not really a biological definition of weed. Anything is a weed if you don’t want it there.
therefore, it is impossible to grow a weed intentionally.
Dandelions are the only plant that spreads using children wishes
🥰
perfect username ♥️
Like bears but more athletic?
We planted redflower currant and the bees and bumblebees love the shit out of that. Also much prettier than dandelions. Redflower currant is the plant you want to fuck, dandelion is the one you have a chance with.
Isn’t red flower currant is a type of shrub with berries?
A shrubbery?
Ni!
That’s a whole ass bush though, totally different thing
whole ass-bush
I just mowed (parts of) my lawn. Left some clumps of different wildflowers standing, dandelions included.
I’m glad my neighbourhood does not have a Lawn Enforcement Agency.
I challenge the best gardener or botanist to grow weeds.
you think it’s easy, but in practice, it’s impossible
You rang?
did you try to grow it intentionally?
therefore, it’s not a weed. sorry
The other day I saw a rabbit eating dandelions from my yard it was very cute
Now if only my city would agree with that instead of sending a citation for having an overgrown yard
they’re very yummy in teas! I’m actually currently sipping a “s’mores” flavored tea that uses roasted dandelion root, I find it quite nice.
Dandelion leaves (blanched) are good in salads and pestos.
In my garden the dandelions turned out to be Sowthistle. Which should be handy if any hungry sows show up on my second-floor apartment balcony.
theres alot of dandelion look alike species growing here too.
I’m mildly allergic so yeah they will fuck me up.
If I’m in an enclosed space with one (e.g. car) I’ll start a sneezing fit. And I assume if I eat one my mouth will itch or swell (not even gonna attempt it).
I am entirely over ‘blank won’t fuck you’ as a response to shit. It’s cliched and trite and kills a conversation.
