Dandelion – The Daily Flower for 27 September

If the dande in dandelion were actually derived from dandy, coquetry would be a most apt floriographic connotation for this flower. Alas, it’s a taming of the French for ‘lion’s tooth’ – which must surely be a description of the serrated leaves of Taraxacum officinale.

Dandelion with raindrops by tanakawho

There are arguably other leonine features of this daisy-family flower. The rosette of golden petals eventually becomes a fluffy white mane of filaments that we know as a dandelion clock.

Blowing on the orb of seeds is meant to tell the time, but one would do far better to observe the flower in its yellow-petalled form, for it’s wont to close at night, and, as such, is likely to be a more accurate means of determining the hour.

Following their popularity as clocks, dandelions are probably best-known as an ingredient in dandelion wine. Fans of the little yellow floral rosettes who are of more sober habit may be pleased to know they can indulge in dandelion without getting tipsy – the flowers can also be used to make jam.

Good for giving to: Roaring Romeos.

Great dandelions in literature: Peter Panner J.M. Barrie describes the man behind Queen Mab’s chair:

“Lord Chamberlain, who carries a dandelion on which he blows when Her Majesty wants to know the time”
From The Little White Bird

Find out more about The Daily Flower series and floriography.

Tags: flowers, dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, floriography

Comments

[Doris]

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

You have a Great blog here! I will be back!

[JLB]

Dandelions, while considered weeds by many, are among my favorite flowers - right up there with all varieties of daisies. Back at my home in Washington, I grow the dandelions right along with the rest of my garden flowers!