Dandelion
(Taraxacum officinale)
Perennial Broadleaves
Habitat Characteristics
Dandelion is a weed of turf grass, orchards, nursery crops, alfalfa, and other perennial crops. It tolerates many soil types and cultural practices but does not tolerate cultivation.
Identification
The mature plant has a basal rosette of leaves with flowers emerging on leafless, hollow stalks. The leaves generally lack hairs, and are oblong with deeply lobed margins. Flowers are bright yellow, 1-2 inches in diameter. The taproot is thick and fleshy and can potentially reach several feet long.
Life History
Seedlings emerge from late spring to early autumn, with most emerging in early summer. Rosettes remain green throughout the year. Flowers are produced from May to June, with a second bloom in autumn. Dandelions do not require pollination in order to produce viable seed. Seeds are attached to a feathery stalk to aid in distribution.
Management Options
Cultural Techniques
- Cultivation will effectively eliminate plants.
Chemical Techniques
- See Herbicide Efficacy Table (pdf)
Web References
USDA – NRCS Plant Profile, Common dandelion
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=TAOF
University of California IPM, Weed Gallery, Dandelion
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/WEEDS/dandelion.html
Invasive Species, The Source for Information and Images of Invasive & Exotic Species, Common Dandelion
http://www.invasive.org/browse/subject.cfm?sub=3887
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