Chapter 1
The ultimate botanical survivalists
Chapter 2
The flying physics of the puffball
Chapter 3
From royal salads to bed-wetting teas
Chapter 4
Colonizing the globe on the Mayflower
Chapter 5
The high-tech future of the humble weed
Ch 4 · Colonizing the globe on the Mayflower
futura Settlers used this multi-purpose remedy to treat scurvy, skin diseases, and digestive issues as they spread across North America.
futura For centuries, people valued dandelions as food and considered grass lawns useless.
Fun Fact
Global traveler: Dandelions are so incredibly adaptable that they are now found on every single continent on Earth except for Antarctica!
Glossary
mayflower (noun)
The ship in which the Pilgrims sailed from England to North America in 1620. Puritans intentionally brought dandelion seeds aboard this vessel to cultivate for food and medicine in New England.
The ship in which the Pilgrims sailed from England to North America in 1620. Puritans intentionally brought dandelion seeds aboard this vessel to cultivate for food and medicine in New England.
Gossip
Do you think the Pilgrims would be disappointed to see us spraying dandelions today?
Quiz
Why did the early European settlers intentionally pack dandelion seeds for their voyage?
Quiz
When did the cultural shift toward viewing the dandelion as an undesirable 'weed' begin?
Quiz
Which of these Native American tribes adopted the introduced dandelion into their traditional medicine?
Quiz
What ailment did several Native American tribes treat using warm dandelion root tea?