dandelions - food for wildlife

Personally, I love dandelions. They are one of the first bright blooms of spring, and to me, they bring cheer to the winter-worn landscape. 

I'm aware that to many lawn enthusiasts, they are a horrible weed. But I ask that you reconsider. Or at least, find a little room in your space for them.

​Not only do pollinators enjoy them as a first bloom of the season, rabbits eat the stems, and, when the blooms are fading, lots of birds eat the seeds  as well.

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Dandelion seed heads provide food for House Finches, Indigo Buntings, and White-crowned Sparrows

​In fact, recently, as I stared out the window on our rain-laden backyard, I spotted several birds munching away at the dandelion seed heads.  House Finches, Gold Finches, White-crowned Sparrows, and Indigo Buntings, too! 

I recall last season seeing the House Finches enjoying the seed heads, but seeing the Indigo Buntings and White-crowned Sparrows enjoying the seeds today was a first.

Turns out, even if you don't plant a garden, if you leave the dandelions rise, you will feed the wildlife easily.

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A simple brush pile surrounded by dandelions provides food and shelter for the birds.

​If you don't want dandelions on the front lawn, or maybe the neighbors scoff, consider at least avoiding the use of harmful pesticides and just mowing them down. Free lawn mulch.

Leave some in the backyard, or start a small brush pile of fallen sticks, branches and twigs, and leave the dandelions surrounding the brush pile. Not only will the dandelions be eaten, but the brush pile will provide shelter for the wild birds. Makes for a great photo-op, too. 

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