Dandelion Collection
I absolutely adore dandelions!! Pretty and colorful, they are one of the earliest spring flowers. I always get ridiculously excited to photograph them. Whether they are just opening up, in full bloom, or turned to seed heads, I love them in all their forms.
They are an important early source of pollen for many insects including bees and other pollinators. They are also completely edible for humans. The roots can be used to make coffee, the leaves can be eaten as fresh spring greens, and the flower can garnish a salad, or even better, make dandelion wine!
It makes me sad that so many people look at dandelions and see weeds that need to be sprayed with chemicals. I hope that with these photos I can share their beauty and inspire everyone to do a little more research about their importance in the ecosystem and all their great qualities.
Dandelion First Bloom
What a treasure hidden inside.
Dandelion First Stretch
This beauty hasn’t even completely opened for the first time and already has insect visitors.
Dandelion in Full Bloom
Such brilliant yellow, and covered in pollen!
Dandelion With Honey Bee
Honey bee coming in for a landing to add more pollen to her leg pockets.
Dandelion With Bumble bee
Bumble bee filling up on nectar and pollen.
Dandelion With Grasshopper
This little guy was hanging out in this lovely dandelion.
Dandelion With Spider
This feisty spider was staking out some territory.
Dandelion with a Full Seed Head
One morning, dandelions open covered in seeds instead of yellow petals.
Dandelion with Partial seed head
As the wind blows or critters brush past, the seeds slowly blow away.
Dandelion Almost Done
Only a few more seeds now.
Artistic Variants
Soft Beauty
I love the soft coloring on the outer petals of this one.
Contrast
Look at all those sepals. All covered in pollen.
Stark
Seed heads shown in black and white.