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.
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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.
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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.
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Roots
Has a deep branched taproot.
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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.
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.
Plant desirable, thick stands of vegetation to compete with dandelions.
Can be grazed by livestock. Fungal pathogens are being studied as a means to control spread of the plant.
Spot‐treat young plants with broadleaf‐selective herbicides. Glyphosate is effective but will kill lawn grasses and other desirable plants, as well as dandelions.
