The dandelion is one of the most versatile plants we have. Often classed as a weed the dandelion is in fact native to the UK, and is a true herb. The word herb comes from herbaceous, meaning to die down during the dormant season in winter. It is also used under the secondary definition of herb because it as medicinal properties.
After fertilisation, each tiny flower becomes a seed that is formed with a 'parachute' of white hair attached. The seeds are blown from the plant by the wind, or by small children 'telling the time' or making a wish, by counting how many blows will remove all the seeds. The seeds can travel a long way on the wind, before they land and become a new plant. The taproot also is capable of propagating. If it is severed, all the pieces can grow into a new plant.
The milky sap of the stems can be applied daily to warts, and traditional Chinese medicine makes use of a poultice of the leaves to treat boils and abscesses.
They are also great to take macro pictures of, I practiced on these when I first got my camera.
This little fledged Robin was within touching distance at times, it showed no fear at all when I moved around to get a different shot.
I only saw the one but was sure I heard another calling nearby, the parent birds will still be feeding them at the moment so after I took these I walked back the way I came so as not to cause the parents anymore alarm. 
Not a sign of the Robins Red Breast at this early stage, speckled browns to help it hide unnoticed in the undergrowth, but it sure stood out some it front of these new leaves.
