A perennial, the Dandelion is a member of the sunflower family, the name comes from the French, 'dents de lion' ("teeth of the lion") due to the shape of the leaves. A native to Europe, it is now widespread as it was taken around the world for its medicinal and culinary, uses. Dandelions are popular with beekeepers as they are an early source of nectar. Dig up the whole plant using a fork to reduce the likelihood of breaking the root. If repeated a few times you can eventually rid a lawn of an infestation, but there will always be a return form new seed which float in; they can travel up to 10km on a moderately windy day, but most fall close to the parent. The younger the plant is the better the chance of complete removal. It often germinates close to other plants after the floating seed became trapped, the most difficult instance is in a clump-formimg plant where it has grown in the centre. To remove it lift the plant and tease out the weed or paint the leaves with a systemic weedkiller. |
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A herbicide like Glyphosate is best. Pull off any flowers as they can mature and produce seed before the chemical can act. In the lawn a selective weedkiller should work, or use Gylphosate as a spot weeder. Nicholas Culpepper |
Follow these links for further details on Weeds, Weed Removal and Weed Prevention.