While dandelions are overlooked as a pesky weed it is imperative to fully understand the wide variety of benefits they pose. As far back as 1836, dandelions have been maintained in gardens as an herbaceous staple in salads and other dishes (Sturtevant, 6). In fact, dandelions provide many vitamins and nutrients including vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, potassium, and beta-carotene. In Europe and Asia, dandelions were utilized as a “diuretic, a laxative, and a liver tonic,” not to mention tea for heart conditions, blood cleanser, and paste for wounds (Ombrello, 2). Furthermore, dandelions situate the growth of other plants due to their long root systems which loosen soil for surrounding plants. Additionally, dandelions produce a resin which can be altered into rubber. (Ombrello, 3)
Traditionally the dandelions are looked at for how they affect the lives of the user. It is the users’ interaction that gives the purpose of the dandelion (in popular opinion). When examined through the scope of individual perspective the dandelion is significantly under-appreciated for both people who enjoy the plant, and people who hate it. The value and meaning of the dandelion comes from what it does for the larger environment around it. The meaning of the dandelion is not relative to an experience, the meaning is in its usefulness for all of the environment humans, plants, insects and animals alike.