Teeth of the Lion: The Story of the Beloved & Despised Dandelion

Tells the story of the common dandelion, that remarkably widespread plant that is known, for better or worse, by just about everybody. Through a series of short essays, written in accessible language and a thoroughly engaging style, Anita Sanchez takes the reader on a journey through the natural history of the dandelion and its long association with humans. Joan Jobson’s illustrations add important details and subtle accents that enhance this journey. Well-adapted ecologically to spread into and thrive within disturbed sites — such as the lawns, playgrounds, roadsides, and parking lots in which they are most often encountered today, and viewed as weeds — dandelions also have had a lengthy, welcomed association with humans as medicine, food, and objects of ritual, magic, and folklore.

The Teeth of the Lion will be a source of enjoyable, fascinating, memorable information of interest to all users. It will provide naturalists, wildflower enthusiasts, gardeners, interpreters, teachers, landscapers, and homeowners a better understanding of one of the most common, well-known, and perhaps under-appreciated plants to be found anywhere.