Dandelions

I have come to the conclusion dandelions are a very nice looking flower. Oh I would not go so far as to say “pretty” but they are close. They certainly add color to an otherwise drab lawn. You cannot deny that. They grow in all types of weather and yard conditions. In fact, the worst the lawn, the better they grow. Not even an over abundance of rain or sun will deter them. On some so called lawns, they are the only thing that will grow. Believe me when I tell you they can be difficult at best to eradicate.
 There is one thing however that makes them a nuisance. And that is they go to seed after only a few days. *A number of species of Taraxacum are seed dispersed ruderals that rapidly colonize disturbed soil, especially the Common dandelion (T. officinale), which has been introduced over much of the temperate world. After flowering is finished, the dandelion flower head dries out for a day or two. The dried petals and stamens drop off, the bracts reflex (curve backwards), and the parachute ball opens into a full sphere. Finally, the seed-bearing parachutes expand and lift out of it. The parachute drops off the achene when it strikes an obstacle. After the seed is released, the parachutes lose their feathered structure and take on a fuzzy, cotton-like appearance, often called "dandelion snow". The English name dandelion is a corruption of the French dent de lion meaning "lion's tooth", referring to the coarsely toothed leaves.
The dandelion plant is a beneficial weed, with a wide range of uses, and is even a good companion plant for gardening. Its taproot will bring up nutrients for shallower-rooting plants, and add minerals and nitrogen to soil. It is also known to attract pollinating insects and release ethylene gas which helps fruit to ripen.
Dandelions are found on all continents and have been gathered since prehistory, but the varieties cultivated for consumption are mainly native to Eurasia. A perennial plant, its leaves will grow back if the taproot is left intact. The flower petals, along with other ingredients, are used to make dandelion wine. The ground, roasted roots can be used as a caffeine-free dandelion coffee. Dandelion was also traditionally used to make the traditional British soft drink dandelion and burdock, and is one of the ingredients of root beer. Dandelion leaves contain abundant vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, C and K, and are good sources of calcium, potassium, iron and manganese. They also have  medicinal properties. It is used as a folk remedy for bile, liver, diuretic and a few other issues. Some folks make a home brew wine from parts of this versatile plant.
 I propose the science people of the world develop a seedless variety of dandelion for the home owner/gardener who wants a very colorful lawn/garden but not seeds blowing into the neighbor's yard/garden. Dandelions attract bees and other insects which in turn pollinate the lawn/garden. This is a good thing. I envision a colorful plant, one that grows to about 6-8 inches tall, suitable for gardens. One could still make wine if so desired. Think I’ll have another drink.   

*See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandelions

Hey, works for me.