Dandelion in painting by Korean artist Bak Eun-ra

Yellow Dandelion in painting by Korean artist Bak Eun-ra

Dandelion in painting by Korean artist Bak Eun-ra

The common name dandelion came from French dent-de-lion, meaning lion’s tooth is given to members of the genus, and like other members of the Asteraceae family, they have very small flowers collected together into a composite flower head. In several European languages the plant, or at least its parachute ball stage, is named after the popular children’s pastime of blowing the parachutes off the stalk: Pusteblume German for “blowing flower”, soffione – Italian for “blowing”, dmuchawiec – Polish, derived from the verb “blow”, одуванчик – Russian, derived from the verb “blow”. Dandelions – first flowers of spring are also an inspiration for Korean artist Bak Eun-ra.

Dandelion. Painting by Korean artist Bak Eun-ra

If dandelions were hard to grow, they would be most welcome on any lawn. Andrew V. Mason. Painting by Korean artist Bak Eun-ra

Dandelion in painting by Korean artist Bak Eun-ra

: The radiant dandelion, shining in the grass, like a spark dropped from the sun. Henry Ward Beecher

: You cannot forget if you would those golden kisses all over the cheeks of the meadow, queerly called dandelions. Henry Ward Beecher

: The miracles of nature do not seem miracles because they are so common. If no one had ever seen a flower, even a dandelion would be the most startling event in the world