Dandelions

/ˈdændəlaɪənz/ noun

Definition

Common yellow wildflowers with jagged leaves that turn into white, fluffy seed heads you can blow apart.

Etymology

From French 'dent de lion' meaning 'lion's tooth,' referring to the jagged shape of the leaves. The English word is a direct translation of the French name, keeping the same 'lion's tooth' meaning.

Kelly Says

Dandelions are called 'lion's teeth' in multiple languages because of their leaf shape—but here's the wild part: they were brought to North America intentionally by colonists because they're nutritious and medicinal! Now they're considered 'weeds' we try to kill, but they're actually an intentional gift from history.

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