The shady side of dandelions

Dandelions aren’t the worst weeds in the field, but they’re weeds just the same.

Unlike knapweed and hawkweed, which are unpalatable to wildlife, dandelions are a treat to many species. I’ve seen black bears walking through a meadow plucking dandelion blossoms one at a time as though they were the supreme delicacy in in a smorgasbord of food. The dandelion also is a wild edible for humans who can toss the young leaves into a salad.

However, the dandelion has a dark side. It casts a shadow and crowds out grass plants, leaving bare spots that are vulnerable to other weeds.

Rich Landers