Why Do We Hate Dandelions? Here's Why I've Given Up the Battle

Count me in the ranks of those folks who are no longer waging war on dandelions.

When I read a diatribe on the side of dandelion lovers written by columnist Eric Zorn in the Chicago Tribune Sunday, I took it as a sign that it is time for me to come out of the closet.

I know neighbors don’t like it when you let the lion’s tooth thrive, but that's not a problem for me. I don’t have any neighbors.

I just don’t get the distinction between dandelions and, say, daffodils. Who is the guy who first taught us that dandelions are a weed, while violets, buttercups and daisies are lovely spring flowers? I had no luck looking this up on the Internet, but I have a strong suspicion it was somebody peddling some noxious chemical to cure the golden infestation.

Last year, I wrote a magazine article on information being circulated by national research groups on the roots of raging epidemics of autism and food allergies. More and more, they are finding this generation of children is exposed to an enormous number of chemical toxins, like herbicides and pesticides, before they are even born, according to Cindy Schneider, medical director for the Center of Autism Research and Education - and mother of two children with autism.

Medically, they are connecting the dots to toxic chemicals.

If you want to go organic, you can try digging your dandelions. That’s what Zorn did. Of course, the more he dug, the quicker the dandelions grew. Here’s what I do. Every week I mow them off. Around late June or so, they basically disappear.

Some people are afraid their lawns will get puny and anemic if they let the dandelions thrive. It may be a little embarrassing, but at least you won’t be poisoning your children and your dogs.

Besides, my lawn’s still green. And at this time of year, if you catch it right before mowing day, it’s a patchwork of bright, brilliant yellow polka dots.

ARGOUDELIS  WATCH: 188 days since Election Day 2010 and still from  Plainfield Township Supervisor John Argoudelis on whether he intends to  be both township supervisor and a Will County Board member.