Dandelions: From Valued Plant to Unwanted Weed

Dandelions grow in many gardens and lawns. People often call them weeds. But dandelions were not always weeds.

Long ago, dandelions came from Europe and Asia. They were not from North America. European settlers brought dandelion seeds to North America on purpose. They liked the plant very much.

Why did people like dandelions? People ate the leaves, flowers, and roots. All parts of the dandelion are safe to eat. People also used dandelions as medicine and animal food.

The name 'dandelion' comes from a French phrase. It means 'lion's tooth.' The leaves look like a lion's teeth.

Dandelions have long roots. The roots go deep into the ground. This makes dandelions hard to remove. They can also grow in bad soil.

In the 1900s, people wanted perfect green lawns. Dandelions did not fit this new style. So people began to call them weeds. Today, some people are learning that dandelions are useful again.