Sagebrush Buttercup

Sagebrush Buttercup "Ranunculus glaberrimus"

2008 April 4

2008 April 4

2008 April 4

2008 April 5

2008 April 5

2008 April 4

These are very early bloomers, appearing on the heels of the snow melt in arid, grassland type areas, thus announcing Spring's arrival. A brilliant yellow, they can't help but catch your eye ... but beware, these beauties are poisonous. First Nations people used this plant to poison their arrowheads and warned their children against its handling.

Dandelion: Common and Rock

"Rock Dandelion" (Taraxacum laevigatum)

2008 April 14

2008 April 14

Some of the first color to arrive in the spring.

"Common Dandelion" (Taraxacum officinale)

2008 June 1

2008 May 31

This plant is very versatile. Here are some ways to put it to good use:

* young leaves for cooked greens or salad greens
* roots roasted, ground and used for a coffee substitute
* the flowers for dandelion wine
* the whole plant can be brewed into beer!
* the flower can be coated in flower and fried

I must confess, I haven't put them to any of these good uses ... yet. Maybe one day.