Ahh…the lowly dandelion.

Unlike its more exotic counterparts, this prolific flower grows in many parts of the world. Perhaps its sheer abundance makes it less desirable, as we tend to gravitate towards more exclusive blooms. Have you ever received a bouquet of dandelions that weren’t handpicked for you by a child?

This probably explains why people are quick to kill them off with toxic chemicals, and it’s unfortunate that they do. Despite its humble position among flowers, the dandelion offers potential health benefits. One way is through drinking tea made from flowers, leaves, and roots. Here’s a recipe if you’re interested.

And who can’t appreciate an emerald green lawn or meadow brimming with these golden beauties? Who hasn’t picked one (post pollination) to blow the tiny seedlings into the air?

The lifecycle of a dandelion is short, typically 9 to 15 days, based on temperature and conditions. The short video below illustrates the stages.

I took the photo this past spring practicing the closeup method with my iPhone and was pleased with the outcome. It worked well for today’s Flower of the Day post challenge!