It’s a dandy day when one is privileged to observe an eager pollinator on an early spring flower. On a warm February day in bright sunshine, this Green Sweat Bee (Halictidae) visited a non-native Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, situated along a pathway in my front garden. It’s not an official flower in my garden, but I welcome it just the same.
I’m a big fan of native plants and avoid using invasive plants in my garden, but I admit to a soft-spot for this weedy thing that so many love to hate. I’m tolerant of dandelions because they offer themselves to pollinators in times when others are not prepared to provide. The common dandelion endures curses, noxious sprays, and physical destruction–but not in my garden. Once the cheery yellow is done, I’ll maybe snip off the seed head–if I notice it. But destroy a flower that’s available to feed a bee or moth or butterfly? That’s a un-dandy thing to do!
My Gardener Says... 
Those metallic sweat bees are always fun to see. Somebody should dress up as one for Halloween.
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That’s a great idea!! Unfortunately, most people don’t even know they exist!
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This coming October 31st will be your chance to teach people that they do exist. You have eight months to get your costume ready.
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I don’t “do” Halloween: 10/31 is my birthday and I reserve to be queen for a day. (snark) I will hand out candy to the wee ones, though. I do love the idea of a little metallic sweat bee roaming from house to house.
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To be honest, I think these dandelions’ reputation has suffered more because of a human preference for ‘tidy’ lawns than for their invasive nature. They certainly do host a good number of insects, and this time of year, they’re that ‘any port in a storm’ that a lot of pollinators appreciate.
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That’s absolutely the case. The love of lawn at the expense of every other living thing is something I just don’t get. I’ve never found the non-native dandelions all that invasive. I usually have between 3 and 5 clumps/year. I don’t consider that a problem at all.
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I always liked dandelions as a child, my Dad didn’t like them. Maybe we should go back to eating them and making dandelion wine to make people like them more. I noticed some dandelions in Texas look different and don’t know if they are eatable.
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I’m not sure about their being edible, though I know some are. I belong to a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and get local produce (and the best milk I’ve ever tasted!) through them. One of the greens offered right now are dandelion greens!
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Yes! Early bloomers are a bonanza for pollinators. I think more people are coming to see the benefits of the humble dandelion. 🙂
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Yes, many people have come to realize the most blooming things are okay to have in their lawn. I love it when I see a lawn that’s mowed, except for the patch of some sort of “weed”–usually a wildflower, sometimes a dandelion.
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Same here, it is a kind heart that does that!
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I’m a huge fan of dandelions! I love their early spring color (that would be April here in Laramie WY)
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It is such a joyful yellow, isn’t it? April will be here in no time…:)
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That’s lovely to see as we await the spring awakening of our pollinators. Thanks for the encouraging image, Tina.
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I realize your winters are long, but spring will be here soon-ish. 🙂
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❤ We always hope for an early spring and this winter has been so warm that the reality of one may actually happen. It's rare.
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I’m like you, Tina – I love the cheery, yellow flowers. I usually let them stay. To be honest, I love the seed heads too, but I try to snip them off before all the seeds disperse. I’m aware it’s a good food plant, so if it can grow in my shade – all power to it. It’s battling adversity without me yanking it out – LOL!
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I agree with you about the seed heads, they’re just beautiful! I also try, and usually fail, to gather them up before the wind has its way with them. Alas, more dandies for the next year!
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