AMERICAN HONEY PLANTS 



D 



DAHOON, see Holly. 



DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale). 



The dandelion is one of the most widely distributed plants in America. 

 Originally introduced from Europe, it has been naturalized over practi- 

 cally the entire continent. As each plant will produce hundreds of seeds, 

 which are borne for long distances on the wind, its wide distribution is 

 not surprising. The plant is sometimes used for medicinal purposes, serv- 

 ing as a mild laxative and tonic. The tender shoots are very popular as 



Fig. r,0. The much despised dandelion is a valuable source of nectar. 



a table delicacy in early spring, with those who are fond of greens. The 

 bright yellow flowers are very showy, and if the plant was not so abund- 

 ant, would be considered attractive. The warfare against the dandelion is 

 as relentless and as continuous as the campaign against the house fly. 

 Little is to be accomplished by digging the plants from one's own lawn, 

 when a whole pastureful are going to seed a mile or two away. 



