u/grubbysum

Hello R/wildlifebiology, 
 I was wondering if there were any true cons to dandelions? From my very limited research (Please if you have article / book recommendations I’d love to know), the only downsides are that they’re considered invasive, and make manicured lawns not appear uniform. Any particular / specific downsides? And can anyone go into detail about the invasive point? Just because it’s not originally from here, are there any particular ramifications it’s having on its surrounding environment? Is all this bad press from weeding companies for capitalistic gain? 

I’ve also heard plenty of upsides; medicinal, early pollination resources, ability to grow in urban environments, etc. But if you have any of your own upsides please let me know as well :)

Please excuse any stupidness to this question, not my typical field of research! Thank you. 

Hello R/Ecology, 
 I was wondering if there were any true cons to dandelions? From my very limited research (Please if you have article / book recommendations I’d love to know), the only downsides are that they’re considered invasive, and make manicured lawns not appear uniform. Any particular / specific downsides? And can anyone go into detail about the invasive point? Just because it’s not originally from here, are there any particular ramifications it’s having on its surrounding environment? Is all this bad press from weeding companies for capitalistic gain? 

I’ve also heard plenty of upsides; medicinal, early pollination resources, ability to grow in urban environments, etc. But if you have any of your own upsides please let me know as well :)

Please excuse any stupidness to this question, not my typical field of research! Thank you.