It is bright yellow, quite persistent and often underestimated: the dandelion. It grows everywhere in the spring. Many people think of it as just an annoying weed. But is that really true? Or should it be left alone – maybe even harvested?  BILD: ©Peggy Boegner | Stock.Adobe.com

Why you shouldn’t mow dandelions right away

Dandelions are an important food source, especially for insects in the spring. Bees, bumblebees, and butterflies enjoy the early flowers when there is not much else blooming. Turtles, rabbits, and hedgehogs also like to nibble on the leaves. In this way, dandelions help promote biodiversity in your garden.

If you wish to remove it, please do so in an environmentally friendly manner

Still want to keep your lawn weed-free? Avoid using chemical products. Instead, carefully dig up the flowers, including the roots – best done with a weed eater after a rain shower when the soil is soft. Simply mowing them down is usually ineffective as they grow back stubbornly.

Healthy, local and free: dandelions on your plate

What many people don’t know is that dandelions are edible-and actually quite healthy. The young leaves taste slightly bitter, similar to arugula, and are great in salads or smoothies. (See also our blog post “Blossoms on the plate“)

Bottom line: The yellow-headed everyday plant may not fit into everyone’s manicured garden, but it has more benefits than you might think. You can leave it alone to help the bees, remove it in an environmentally friendly way – or just eat it.