Dandelions might be the underdogs of your garden—often yanked out as weeds—but they’re actually early bloomers that serve as a lifeline for bees and other pollinators. These sunny yellow flowers pack a punch with their nectar and pollen, offering crucial food at a time when insects are struggling due to steep population declines.

What This Mean: It’s easy to dismiss dandelions as pests, but with insect populations crashing, every little bit of help counts. Letting them grow could be a small, simple way to support ecosystems right in your backyard. Plus, fewer weeds to pull means more time to enjoy the buzz of life they bring.