Dandelion

Common name: Dandelion

Botanical name: Taraxacum officinale

Family: Asteraceae

Life cycle: Perennial

Habitat: Dandelions will grow in almost all conditions, however they prefer nutrient rich soils with an alkaline pH. It is another weed that can adapt to the mowing conditions, making it a major nuisance in all types of grassland and turf.

Leaf: The long, oblong leaves gradually narrow from the tip to the base. The edges of the leaves are deeply toothed, with jagged edges. They form as a basal rosette, which smothers and eventually kills the grass beneath them

Flower: The dandelion has a very distinct yellow flower which can be seen between March and November. The flowers eventually turn into seed heads, producing hundreds of seeds which are dispersed by the wind.

Removal & control: Dandelions can be removed by hand, however it is vital that the long tap root is completely removed or the weed will regenerate.

A selective weed killer can be used to control this common weed. However a second application may be needed for complete control.