The dandelion

The dandelion, scientifically known as Taraxacum officinale and commonly referred to as “dandelion,” is a flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is a perennial herbaceous plant (living for several years) that is widely distributed across a wide range of habitats, particularly on nutrient-rich soils, in lowlands as well as in mountainous regions up to elevations of about 2,500 m. Flowering begins in April and reaches its peak in May, but continues at a lower intensity into autumn, especially during dry and warm summers.

In gardens it is unfortunately often regarded as a weed, as it is invasive and difficult to remove; if the thick taproot anchored deep in the soil is not completely removed, the plant will grow back even more vigorously.

The stem of this plant is hollow and bears no leaves; the leaves are arranged at the base in a rosette and are divided into toothed, triangular lobes. The inflorescence (the arrangement of flowers on the stem) consists of numerous yellow florets, each possessing both male (stamens) and female (pistil) reproductive organs. After fertilisation, the ovary of the pistil develops into a small dry fruit containing a seed topped with a feathery, parachute-like structure, which facilitates wind dispersal. All these seeds together form a characteristic white, silky sphere that disintegrates at the slightest breeze.

Dandelion produces large quantities of nectar and pollen, making it a plant of great interest to bees. The bright yellow-orange pollen is mainly collected in the morning; although its protein and amino-acid content is low, it is nevertheless gathered abundantly by bees, which take advantage of one of the first mass flowerings of spring.

The nectar is also foraged mainly in the morning; its sugar content is relatively high, but it is above all the density of flowers that gives it its beekeeping value. The nectar is found in all wildflower honeys, but in regions where this plant is very common it can also yield a monofloral honey, even in Valais under exceptional conditions.

Dandelion honey is a vivid yellow, like the flower itself. It crystallises rapidly due to its high glucose content. In pollen analysis, which is generally used to determine floral origin, the proportion of dandelion pollen proves to be very low: this is an example of pollen under-representation in honey. Other characteristics (colour, consistency, crystallisation behaviour, fructose–glucose ratio, etc.) nevertheless allow it to be identified.

Sources

Silberfeld, C.; Reeb, Les plantes mellifères, 2016

Agroscope, Important sources of pollen and nectar for honey bees in Switzerland, 2020

Piquée, Les plantes mellifères mois par mois, 2014

Various authors, Le traité Rustica de l’apiculture, 2002

See also:

• Dandelion Forms (Tribus Cichorieae)
• Palynology and Pollen Analysis
• Apicultural Value of Forage Plants
• Identifying Pollen
• The Goat Willow – A Spring Windfall for Bees