Ode to the Dandelion

in four Haiku

Apr 18, 2025

Imagine a place somewhere between the woods and the sea, where there is enough space for the Wilderness and the Wildflowers, where there is room to feel the sun on your skin, the wind tousling your hair, the earth, the sun, and the rain embracing and inspiring you. A place where there’s enough space to wander, to pause, to reflect, and to wonder…

Usually unwanted and frowned upon. A plague in your garden. A weed! In my lawn, they’re welcome to stay — but I must admit I don’t tolerate them in the borders with my perennials and shrubs. And yet, just look how stunning they are, when they bloom by the thousands in a meadow under a blue, cloud-filled sky!

It’s a bit unclear where the name “Paardenbloem” (Dutch for dandelion, literally "horse flower") comes from. Of course, they grow in fields where horses roam.
Not only horses, but other livestock also love dandelions. The name might also refer to the resemblance between the fluffy seed heads and a horse’s tail. To me, that seems a bit far-fetched — “Sheep Flower” might be more appropriate 😄

The English Dandelion refers to the French ‘Dent the lion’, lion's tooth after the shape of the leaves.

The Latin name Taraxacum officinalis probably stems from Taraxacum, meaning “remedy for disorders.” Officinalis points to its medicinal use. Its roots and leaves are thought to support the liver and digestion. The dandelion is also known as a diuretic — the French nickname is “Pissenlit,” which literally means “pee the bed.” The white, milky sap from the stems was once used to treat warts or skin irritations.

Dandelions also remind me of childhood. We’d pick the leaves for our rabbits, who loved them! Apparently, you can even make a salad with them.
We also used to leave the flowers in water overnight — and the next day, the stems would curl up like spirals. And who hasn’t blown dandelion fluff into the wind?
I still do it sometimes!