The bright yellow color, the thought of dandelions always brings springtime to mind. But not this year in Southern Appalachia, dandelions are growing everywhere, though the temperatures have been quite cold. It is wintertime here.
Other areas in the Northern Appalachian regions are also noticing the dandelion during this winter season. The Channel 7 Eyewitness News in Buffalo, New York has already reported the dandelion being spotted growing, a local there reported seeing dandelions a day after Christmas in 2011. View this report at http://www.wkbw.com/younews/136207378.html to learn more.
Plausibly there are no reasons for this flower to be showing itself at this time; except for the fact that winter is milder this year than the last. This can be said for Hayesville, North Carolina, but not entirely for Buffalo, New York. Others have reported seeing snowfall with the dandelion peeking through in its radiant bright yellow.
Whatever the reason, the dandelion is beautiful even in the winter.
Dandelions are edible, considered a weed; the dandelions historically have been used for medical remedies. Most enjoy eating the flower part of the plant plus the leaves of the dandelion too.
They grow typically during April through October in areas throughout Appalachia. A dandelion stalk will only hold one flower. The flower is made up of other florets with many of these together producing one flower head.
Gorgeous in a stand out color, the dandelion is often found growing in lawns. Considered by many homeowners to be a nuisance because they grow quickly and in large numbers, pesticides are often used to kill their presence. Consequently small wild birds do die from eating dandelions and seeds of dandelions from areas where pesticides have been used.
Dandelions whether you love or hate them, they are growing in Appalachia even in the winter. Wow, simply amazing for this winter season in Appalachia. A suppose winter blast of cold and possible snow is in the forecast for tomorrow. Will the dandelion see the winter through? Let’s hope so.
Learn more about dandelions by visiting http://www.gardensablaze.com/HerbDandelion.htm.
Remember the start of Spring is not until March 20th 2012.
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