Dandelions & the Other Yellow Flowers

Telling the differences

There appears to be much confusion about the many yellow wild flowers that bloom in the growing seasons in our climate that get called dandelions.  

That confusion is expanded by the nature of the similar yellow flowers and how they all go to seed and spread in the wind, since they are all part of the Aster family.

As gardeners, we are discovering that dandelions are an important source of pollen for the bees. As well, dandelions are edible for us – flowers, leaves and roots. It’s especially important to use only organic growing methods to keep the dandelions healthy for both bees and the people.

We can all learn the difference between dandelions and the other yellow flowers that also bloom during the summer. 

Several flowers look similar to the dandelion, particularly the Hairy Cat’s Ear, the smooth Cat’s Ear and several varieties of Hawkweed.

Since their flowers are so similar in appearance and seeding habits, it’s important to identify the different plants by getting familiar with their different leaves and stems. 

Dandelion flowers have hollow stems and their leaves are smooth and deeply notched. 

Cat’s Ears have forked and solid stems. The plants need to be weeded out of the lawn and gardens by hand, for they bloom all summer.

DIY Weed Killer

This recipe using cleaning vinegar, Epsom salt and Dawn really works well. Sprayed on a hot, sunny day, it kills within hours. I have a lot of gravel paths and given enough sun, I can keep them free of weeds. I wouldn’t do it on a windy day as nearby plants may be impacted by the drift.

Recipe:

• 1 gallon white vinegar (or cleaning vinegar)

• 2 cups Epsom salt (or table salt)

• 1/4 cup Dawn dish liquid

Dissolve salt in vinegar, then add soap. Put in a spray bottle and use on weeds on hot sunny days. Rinse your sprayer well after each use to prevent corrosion.