photo of dandelion with yellow flowers

Typical plant growing in disturbed site. (Photo by S. Donaldson)

Photo of dandelion leaves growing in the dirt.

Rosettes have deeply lobed leaves. (Photo courtesy of Ohio State Weed Lab Archive, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org. )
 

Close up photo of single dandelion leaf.

The leaves are deeply lobed, and the lobes point back towards the center of the plant.

Close up photo of yellow dandelion flower and stem.

Flowers are yellow and have many petals. The flower stems are hollow.
 

Close up photo of dandelion seeds attached to stem.

The seeds dislodge and float with the wind.
(Above 3 photos by S. Donaldson)

 

Other common names

Common dandelion, puffball, blow ball, lion’s tooth, monk’s head, Eurasian dandelion, Irish daisy, etc.

Scientific name

Taraxacum officinale

Family

Asteraceae

Description

Common pests of turf, dandelions grow in a rosette (ground‐hugging form) that develops into a bushy plant. All plant parts ooze a milky liquid when broken.

  • Leaves

    Leaves are 2 to 12 inches long, deeply lobed and radiate from the center of the plant. The lobe tips point back towards the center of the plant. The lobe at the end of the leaf is largest, and leaf edges have teeth.

  • Stems

    Plant lacks stems. What appear to be stems are flower stalks.

    Flowers

    Yellow and 1 to 2 inches in width. A single flower is produced at the end of a hollow stalk. Blooms from spring to fall.

  • Roots

    Has a deep branched taproot.

  • Seeds

    Produces a circular ball of seeds that blow with the wind.

 

Native to

Europe; has naturalized worldwide

Where it grows

Lawns, gardens, landscaped areas, roadsides, pastures and parks. Grows best in moist areas with full sun.

Life cycle

Perennial (grows back from the roots each year)

Reproduction

Reproduces by seed and from root fragments.

Control methods

Dandelions can grow back from sections of root as small as one inch in length. To control this weed, kill the root. Seed production should also be controlled to avoid spread by blowing seeds.

  • Mechanical

Dig plants, removing as much of the root as possible. Pulling and mowing are not effective, as the weed can regrow from the roots. Mulching with landscape fabric or 3 or more inches of organic mulch.

  • Cultural

Plant desirable, thick stands of vegetation to compete with dandelions.

  • Biological

Can be grazed by livestock. Fungal pathogens are being studied as a means to control spread of the plant.

  • Chemical

Spot‐treat young plants with broadleaf‐selective herbicides. Glyphosate is effective but will kill lawn grasses and other desirable plants, as well as dandelions.

References

DiTomaso, J.M. and E.A. Healy. 2007. Weeds of California and Other Western States. University of California Publication 3488.

Calhoun, R. 2010. Dandelions. Michigan State University, http://www.msuturfweeds.net/details/_/dandelion_1/.

Rumph, M. and M. Schat. 2009. Dandelion. Montana State University, http://wiki.bugwood.org/HPIPM:Dandelion.

UC IPM. 2006. Dandelions. http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7469.html.

Whitson, Tom D. (editor). 2002. Weeds of the West. University of Wyoming, Jackson, Wyoming.

Donaldson, S., Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Dandelions, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno FS-10-24
Printable    Version    (PDF)

Extension Associated Contacts

Natalie Mazzullo
Natalie Mazzullo
Hans Weding
Hans Weding
 

Also of Interest:

 
Annie Lindsay and her mom, Shirley, paddle boating at Lake Las Vegas
Summer Safety for Older Adults
This fact sheet contains information on summer safety for older adults to help them stay healthy and active. Learn more about different activities an older adult can do to live longer and prevent danger to one's health.
 Collins, C., Mazzullo, N. and Petermeier, H. 2011, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-04
Older man and women biking on a snowy road wearing neon yellow jackets
Winter Safety for Older Adults
This fact sheet contains information on ways older adults can stay healthy and active during the winter. Learn about the illness and accidents an older adult can fact if they are not healthy and ways to prevent it.
 Collins, C. and Petermeier, H. 2001, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-02
parnd parent writing
Creating an Autobiography: A Family Keepsake
This fact sheet contains information on ways older adults can begin to write their autobiography or life stories.
 Collins, C., Petermeier, H. 2009, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS 09-03
writing autobiography
Creating an Autobiography: Starting the Process
This fact sheet contains information on ways older adults can begin to write their autobiography or life stories.
 Collins, C., Petermeier, H. 2009, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS 09-02
 

Associated Programs

Two adults hike along a walking trail

Healthy Aging Initiative

Using Extension's expertise, the HAI team can connect you with the resources to navigate aging and its trends. HAI programs are offered for adults over 50 and those who partner with them to provide care and support, including careers in aging exploration for middle and high school students and incoming college freshmen. We provide expert nutrition and physical activity training information for elders, caregivers and professionals. We have sponsorship options for tours and professional education.