Protein contains amino acids, and some of these amino acids are essential. That means the organism can not make them; they have to get them in food. Dandelion pollen is low in valine, isoleucine, leucine and arginine, essential amino acids for honey bees.
Dandelion is consider a poor quality source of protein for bees.
That’s true, but it’s better than no flowers. I see this comment pop up pretty regularly in reference to dandelions as a source for pollinators as if eliminating the flower would be of little impact. Dandelions are one of the first flowers to show up for the pollinators, even if they don’t provide the best food for insects it’s still something, especially in sterile modern suburban landscapes. .
That link lists the first foods for pollinators. Lots of things on that list which surprised me.
We’re replanting our yard with native plants this year.
If you like birds and wildlife this is the best way to attract them.
I also learned this year dandelions aren’t native to North America.
Yeah, I don’t even get mad at them any more. They are hardcore survivors and proliferators, and will have a welcome haven in my lawn to piss off dick neighbors like in the post
They’re technically an invasive species in North America. Been around long enough now that they could maybe be considered native. If you’re looking to do a natural lawn in NA, though, you should probably still consider them a weed.
That’s a good point, and I fact I keep forgetting. Probably because the people who typically take issue with them aren’t concerned about native species (if they were, they wouldn’t like the grass either).
I can’t fathom why anyone hates dandelions. The entire plant is edible and they’re a cute little flower.
Some people are allergic to joy.
Not joy in general; just other people’s joy.
Some people derive joy from seeing others suffer, that’s true.
And they are amazing for bees
I heard their pollen doesn’t provide enough nutrients for the hive/queen. Specifically protein.
Here’s a link to neat bee article. Go pollinators!
https://www.gardenmyths.com/dandelions-important-bees/
Protein contains amino acids, and some of these amino acids are essential. That means the organism can not make them; they have to get them in food. Dandelion pollen is low in valine, isoleucine, leucine and arginine, essential amino acids for honey bees.
Dandelion is consider a poor quality source of protein for bees.
Still better than short cut grass.
That’s true, but it’s better than no flowers. I see this comment pop up pretty regularly in reference to dandelions as a source for pollinators as if eliminating the flower would be of little impact. Dandelions are one of the first flowers to show up for the pollinators, even if they don’t provide the best food for insects it’s still something, especially in sterile modern suburban landscapes. .
That link lists the first foods for pollinators. Lots of things on that list which surprised me. We’re replanting our yard with native plants this year. If you like birds and wildlife this is the best way to attract them.
I also learned this year dandelions aren’t native to North America.
That’s where clover and wild strawberry come in to play.
Yeah, I don’t even get mad at them any more. They are hardcore survivors and proliferators, and will have a welcome haven in my lawn to piss off dick neighbors like in the post
Did you know you can get them in pink and white?
Really piss off your neighbors!
I saw a bunny once systemically behead a bunch of dandelions in an area. It was cute and scary.
Goats love dandelions. It’s like cocaine
They’re technically an invasive species in North America. Been around long enough now that they could maybe be considered native. If you’re looking to do a natural lawn in NA, though, you should probably still consider them a weed.
That’s a good point, and I fact I keep forgetting. Probably because the people who typically take issue with them aren’t concerned about native species (if they were, they wouldn’t like the grass either).
maybe they’re allergic to the pollen