Why do Dandelions Grow Everywhere?
After our most recent move, my very observant 6-year-old noticed some dandelions already growing in our new yard. He exclaimed, “Mom look! Dandelions! This must be our home because dandelions always grow in our yard wherever we live!” I explained to him that dandelions are able to grow in many different environments, which then prompted his first “Pillar of Curiosity” question in our new location: “Why do dandelions grow everywhere?”. With it being the Month of the Military Child, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to write about and celebrate the dandelion and all that it symbolizes for our military kiddos.
I have always found it interesting how our love of dandelions (or “wish flowers” as my kids call them) tends to fade over time. What starts as innocent delight, blowing the seeds off every single one we encounter eventually turns into the frustration that we can never seem to eradicate those darn weeds in our yard. This hardy little plant has a way of sprouting up in even the toughest of landscapes, and it has a habit of withstanding many of the popular weedkillers out there. It’s one of the first flowers to pop up in the late winter/early spring and generally stays until winter has swallowed the landscape again. But what is it about these sunny little plants that enable them to survive in so many different climates? Let’s find out.
Dandelion Characteristics that Make it Successful
Roots
If a dandelion seed finds its way to a favorable spot, a strong taproot begins to grow straight down into the soil. This thick taproot can grow over 10 feet into the soil if left undisturbed and can regenerate vegetatively if even a little piece is left in the ground. This perennial is then able to pull nutrients and water from deeper in the soil rather than competing for nutrients and water with the shorter roots of the grass growing around it.
Reproduction
Dandelions have not one, but TWO ways they can reproduce, and neither requires fertilization. That’s right, dandelions reproduce asexually, so pollination isn’t necessary. They produce up to 200 seeds at a time that are, essentially, clones of themselves. That’s why an entire lawn can be covered in the offspring of one single dandelion parent.
The second way they reproduce is vegetatively. As stated previously, if even a tiny portion of the taproot is left in the soil following attempted weed removal, the dandelion can regrow. An injured taproot can produce up to 5 shoots, which is why it may seem as though every dandelion pulled results in many more in its place (and why my parents used to nag me about getting the whole root every time I was on weeding duty).
Seed Dispersal
Possibly the most brilliant adaptation of this little plant is its method of seed distribution. Every seed has its own feathery umbrella-like structure called a pappus. This enables the seed to be blown by the wind for long distances (even miles), allowing for widespread colonization by a single plant. Add in the sheer irresistibility to blow on those white puffballs for children and adults alike, and you have a seemingly flawless dispersal adaptation.
Benefits of Dandelions
Early Food Source for Pollinators
Dandelions are one of the first plants to flower after months of cold temperatures. This provides a food source for ecologically crucial pollinators such as bees and other insects. While dandelions aren’t the most nutritious when it comes to protein for these pollinators, they help sustain them until other, more nutritious plants begin to flower.
Contribute to Soil Health
The taproot of a dandelion can help fertilize the soil by pulling calcium and other nutrients from deep in the ground, making these essential nutrients available for other plants. In addition, the tough, wide-spreading roots can aid in soil aeration by loosening hard-packed soil. They can even help reduce erosion by colonizing bare ground and making the soil conditions better for other groundcover plants.
Nutritious
Every part of the dandelion plant is edible, from the roots to the flowers and everything in between. They contain several types of antioxidants and are rich in vitamins and minerals such as folate, potassium, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K. This plant is also high in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation. Check out this article for numerous recipes using dandelion roots, greens, and flowers.
Medicinal Uses
Some studies have shown that eating dandelions can even help control certain illnesses by helping to control blood sugar, lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, boost immune health, lower blood pressure, etc. There are even studies that show that dandelion extract may slow the growth of certain types of cancer. Though more research is needed to see if these treatments are effective in humans, it’s encouraging nonetheless!
Why the Dandelion is a Representation of Our Military Kiddos
I grew up a “military brat”. Both of my parents served over 20 years in the United States Air Force. I then went on to marry a wonderful man serving in the United States Navy (Go Air Force, Sink Navy!... Sorry Honey, but I gotta stick to my roots when it comes to football!). We have two beautiful children who must endure more than the average American kid. The children of service members are a special breed in our country. Here’s why the dandelion is a perfect representation of these special kids:
They Take Root and Thrive Where they Land
Just as the dandelion seed is at the mercy of the wind that blows it, military children don’t get a choice in where the military sends them. As military families, we control what we can, which at times is simply our outlook and attitude towards change. Our kids have to learn to make friends where they go and adapt to their new surroundings. They grow roots in order to thrive, knowing full well they will have to leave again someday. I like to think of the tight-knit family connections as the taproot, with widespread roots of friends and experiences reaching and spreading from every new place we go.
Resilience is a Way of Life
If you look up “resilient” in any dictionary, you’ll find definitions like “toughness” and “the ability to recover quickly from adversity”. Just as dandelions must endure constant weeding, mowing, etc, our military children must also be resilient to change. I will never forget the heartbreaking conversations I have had to have (and will continue to have) with my children when their Daddy must leave for deployment at sea. They never cease to impress me with how much they can understand at such a young age! We ask them to endure the chaos of constant changes in duty stations, deployments, being away from family, etc. And they do because they have to.
They are Strong and Determined
Dandelions can grow in even the toughest landscapes, like the cracks in the sidewalks or a recently disturbed landscape. They are strong and determined to survive. This sums up our military kids so well. They are constantly asked to leave behind what they know and start over in a new, sometimes tough location. The culture may be completely different from their previous experiences. The landscape may be completely opposite of what they are used to. They become well-rounded, tolerant, and more culturally aware than their counterparts. There will almost assuredly be tears, but they stand tall and face the new experiences head-on with a determination that we could all learn a lot from.
They are Filled with Hope
When it comes time to float to a new location, they do so with hope. Like a child making a wish as they blow the seeds into the wind, their hearts are filled with the hope that their next location will bring new opportunities for fun and excitement. They have hope that they will find new friends to make memories with and new areas to explore. They have hope that their deployed parent will make it home safely and that their country can find peace. They have hope that their sacrifice and their parents’ hard work can make the world a better place. They have hope that things will be okay. We can all do with a little more hope.
Do you have a special military child in your life? How are you celebrating the Month of the Military Child? Let me know in the comments below!