Pooh-steh-blue-meh (The pronunciation, in case you were wondering.)
Children love these, and so do I. In our house we call them pusteblumen (plural), which is more fun than saying dandelions-gone-to-seed. Pusteblumen translates, according to my husband, as “Blow Flowers.” A 5-minute internet search also leads to “Blow Balls,” “Clocks” (British and American), “Jinny-Jos” (Irish), and even “Santa Clauses” (more investigation needed, when I have more energy). Who knew?
For science fans, this is most likely (is “most likely” a scientific term?) the common dandelion, a.k.a. taraxacum officinale. Here’s an illustration from Wikipedia. The leaves, also very pretty, can sometimes make their way onto your pizza, among other meals.
A few other random notes:
1. Stream of consciousness, but if you like foreign (specifically Japanese) movies and comedies, here is a great intersection: Tampopo (which means Dandelion), directed by Juzo Itami. It is classified as a “Ramen Western,” and it is hilarious.
2. A Google image search on “Tampopo” leads one to this lovely image, by an artist named Nanami Cowdroy. Beautiful. (Is it kosher to do this? Not trying to steal it; I just like it a lot and want to share it!)
3. Here is a YouTube video about a very cute book called, “Im Garten der Pusteblumen.”
4. Finally, here is a 1024 x 768 “Urban Pusteblume” wallpaper that you may have if you so wish. Enjoy!
museweek 