The Forgotten History of Dandelions

Environmental & Science Education, STEM, Nature, Global Change, Nature, Science & Society

Ed Hessler

Lion's tooth, cankerwort, Irish daisy, monk's head, priest's crown, puffball, blowball, earth's nail and milk-, witch-, or yellow gowan are a few of the ordinary names given to the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). 

I grew up calling them "lion's tooth" but somewhere along the way, blowball"  replaced it, at least until I turn my attention to their new greens, fresh and/or cooked. 

Here is some information about one of spring's yellow glories - from the World Of Weeds, Weed Science Society of America (WSSA).

The History Guy takes on the challenge of telling us about dandelions and history (11 m 38 s).