The Incredible Dandelion; Canada's national Flower?

Read the other day (in the Toronto Star; article by Sonia Day) that the Master Gardeners of Ontario are holding a vote to name "Canada's National Flower" in this, our 150th year. They have narrowed their acceptable /recommended choice to three; "Hooded Ladies Tresses"; Twin Flower"; and "Bunchberry". Wow! 

It's Hard for me to vote for any of the three finalists, not being sure I have seen any of them! 

Rather in my corner ladies, gentlemen and others, we have the Incredible Dandelion. Most Canadians (at least in the southern parts) have a love-hate relationship with these little asexual plants. I know they’re not proprietary to Canada, but then, most Canadians are transplants from somewhere. Like Canadians, they’re resilient beyond belief; you just can’t keep them down; they’re extremely practical ‘cause you can eat the whole thing; better still you can make some wine from them along the way making it a medicinal Plant not needing Government regulation*. They come to life every year in the spring after a long Canadian winter and it seems like every one of them has survived!  They spread their seeds in the wind like we spread our ideas of multi-culturalism, peace and hockey around the world. Maybe best of all, they’re bi-lingual! The name “Dandelion” comes from the French “dent-de-lion” meaning “Lion’s Tooth”. My thought: make The Incredible Dandelion a write-in candidate in the Master Gardeners of Ontario’s vote for Canada’s National Flower. It should win hands down.

* For one take on the good parts check out https://altnature.com/gallery/dandelion.htm  Dr. G will turn up lots more!