Does the Lion's Tooth Bite Your Lawn?

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As spring comes to the temperate areas of the northern hemisphere, one of the first signs of spring is the blossom of the Lion's Tooth. This bright yellow flower is also call the Irish daisy, priest's crown, peasant's cloak and yellow gowan. Its other name appears on the sides of bags of lawn care chemicals - the dandelion.

The millions of homeowners who wage unrelenting war on the dandelion will probably not be pleased to hear anything good said about the plant. But the dandelion actually has a very interesting history. It was first brought to North America from Europe because of its beautiful flower. As late as the early 20th century seed companies were still selling packets of dandelion seeds for home flower gardens.

Up to 1957, more than 100,000 pounds of dandelion roots were imported annually to the United States for pharmaceutical use. In spring the dandelion contains mannitol, which is used as a base for pills, a treatment for hypertension and coronary insufficiency, as well as in manufacturing radio condensers and percussion caps. And many people enjoy a salad that includes young dandelion leaves freshly picked in the spring.

While you may not like dandelions in your lawn, the dandelion illustrates that God has not made anything that is without use. It is up to us to put what He has given each of us to use for His purposes.