Why Do So Many People Hate the Texas "Dandelion,"

Especially Considering All the Good Things They Do For Us???

The Texas dandelion (Pyrrhopappus pauciflorus), not to be confused with the True Dandelion, a native to Texas and should not be so despised, for many reasons!

The Texas Dandelion ( Pyrrhopappus pauciflorus), also known as the "Smallflower desert-chicory" requires no extra watering, because it's a native plant that not only survives, but thrives on seasonal rainfall and can get by just fine during our long, hot and often, rainless, summer months.

The Texas Dandelion has a very pretty, yellow-gold bloom, and when it goes to seed, children (and some adults) find it irresistible to playfully blow them off to find new places to take root.

This native plant, unlike the unnatural grasses people try to grow on their lawns, retains the soil and keeps it from eroding.

The leaves of the Texas Dandelion are edible (though they are, admittedly, an acquired taste).

It's roots can be used to brew a tea or coffee.

The Texas Dandelion are a favorite of rabbits and, having them around the perimeter of your vegetable garden, will keep the furry friends so full, they're not as likely to eat your other plants.

So, why is it so many people call them a "weed," spray them with herbicides, and pull them up only to take up more space in our landfills? The Texas Dandelion is, actually, one of the many native plants that, if only we set aside our plant bigotry, would help make our lawns and greenbelts beautiful, at no extra cost, retaining our soil, provide us extra food and drink, and all they ask is to let them live!