Sign up for the iWire to get breaking news, event info and the species spotlight.
Go Back | Printer Friendly Fact Sheet
Federal Noxious Weed TDA Noxious Weed TPWD Prohibited Exotic Species 
Invasive Plant Atlas of the USNOTE:
means species is on that list.
Taraxacum officinale
Common dandelion
Synonym(s):
Family: Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Duration and Habit: Perennial Herb
Photographer: Dave Powell
Source: USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Description
Dandelion is a perennial that grows best in moist areas in full sun; however, it can survive some shade and dry conditions once established. It produces a strong taproot that is capable of penetrating the soil to a depth of 10 to 15 feet, but it is most commonly 6 to 18 inches deep. Buds grow from the uppermost area of the root, producing a crown that can regenerate "new" plants even though the plant is cut off at or below the soil surface. Sections of the root as short as 1 inch in length are also capable of producing new plants. There are no true stems, rather the leaves are clustered in a rosette at the base of the plant. Leaves vary in length from 2 to 14 inches and from 1/2 to 3 inches wide. Margins of the leaves are deeply serrated forming the typical "lion�s tooth" outline from which the name is derived (dent-de-lion = tooth of the lion). Flowering stalks are 6 to 24 inches in length and terminate in a compound inflorescence or head that contains 100 to 300 ray flowers and looks like a characteristic puffball. Each ray flower has a strap-shaped yellow petal with five notches at the tip. Dandelion flowers are not normally pollinated but develop asexually. The seeds are achenes and are about 1/8 inch in length with five to eight ribs.
Native Lookalikes: Currently no information available here yet, or there are no native Texas species that could be confused with Common dandelion.
Ecological Threat: Dandelion can be a major weed problem for turf and ornamental managers. In turf, it forms clumps that cause poor footing for athletic fields and golf courses. Dandelion�s texture and color vary from that of normal turfgrass and the yellow flowers reduce the aesthetic quality of the turfgrass.When dandelion infests turfgrass and ornamental plantings, it forms dense circular mats of leaves (6 to 14 inches in diameter) that crowd out desirable species and reduce the vigor of those plants that survive. Because of the extensive root system of established plants, hand-pulling or hoeing to remove dandelion is usually futile unless done repeatedly over a long period of time. Thus, control by this means is most successful in areas such as home lawns and gardens. Once a few plants become established in turfgrass or ornamental areas, their seed can be spread by wind or equipment. Dandelion is also found in nontilled orchards where mowing is used for weed control. It can be a problem in spring when trees are in bloom because it is very attractive to bees. The pappus on the seed frequently clogs up tractor radiators, and roots of dandelion are attractive to gophers. Although it is slow to establish, once established it is difficult to control because of its extensive root system.
Biology & Spread: At the apex of the achene there is a slender stalk (about two to four times the length of the achene) that terminates in a parachute-like structure (pappus), allowing the seed to be transported via wind currents for miles.
History: Dandelion was introduced from Europe and has been used as a potherb and medicinal plant since Roman times. It has a high vitamin and mineral content. Mature leaves are often dried and used to make a mild tea. Roots are often used to make stronger tea or dried and used for various medicinal purposes including a mild diuretic. Salads, beer, and wine are also made from the leaves and flowers.
U.S. Habitat: Throughout
Distribution
U.S. Nativity: Native and Introduced to U.S.
Native Origin: Europe, Asia (Kartesz, J.T., and C.A. Meacham. Synthesis of the North American Flora, Version 1.0.)
U.S. Present: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Distribution in Texas: Throughout North America, but rare in extreme southeastern United States.
Mapping
Invaders of Texas Map: Taraxacum officinale
EDDMapS: Taraxacum officinale
USDA Plants Texas County Map: Taraxacum officinale
Invaders of Texas Observations
List All Observations of Taraxacum officinale reported by Citizen Scientists
Native Alternatives
Management
Because dandelion seed can be windborne for several miles, prevention of new infestations is difficult. Solitary new dandelion plants along fence rows, roadsides, flower beds, and in turfgrass should be grubbed out (digging out the entire plant, taproot and all) before they produce seed. Monitor the area for several months to make sure that removal was complete. Areas with infestations should be isolated and seed heads removed until control can be accomplished. Turfgrass and ornamental areas should be well maintained to assure maximum vigor. Making these plantings as competitive as possible will slow invasion of the weed. Dense stands of turfgrass and ornamentals shade the soil surface, making the establishment of new dandelion seedlings more difficult.
Home Landscapes
In the home landscape, dandelion plants can easily be grubbed out, especially when they are young. Dandelion knives and similar specialized tools are available for removing individual weeds and their roots while minimizing soil disturbance. Control dandelion plants before they set seed to reduce the potential for further invasion by this weed. Also, landscape fabrics (see �Ornamentals� below) can be used to control this weed.
Turfgrass: No single control procedure has been successful in controlling dandelion in turfgrass. Early grubbing of new seedlings has been successful when practiced diligently. These plants must be dug up regularly for several years to be successfully eliminated. Spot spraying isolated plants with glyphosate can be helpful, but the turfgrass is killed, leaving open areas. Overseed the open spots to establish a vigorous turf sod. The preemergent herbicides commonly used to control crabgrass in turfgrass have not been successful in limiting germination of dandelion. However, a relatively new broadleaf preemergent herbicide, isoxaben, has been effective but, like all preemergent herbicides, must be applied to the soil before the dandelion seed germinates. Postemergent herbicides that control broadleaf weeds (2,4-D, triclopyr, MCPA, and mecoprop) can control dandelion seedlings. Control of established plants with a postemergent treatment is much more difficult; 2,4-D works best for established dandelion control while triclopyr, MCPA, and mecoprop reduce dandelion vigor but do not kill it.
Text References
Cudney D.W and C. L. Elmore. 2006. How to Manage Pests Pests in Gardens and Landscapes: Dandelions. IPM Education and publications, University of California Statewide IPM Program. Accessed 5 December 2008: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7469.html.
Online Resources
Search Online
Google Search: Taraxacum officinale
Google Images: Taraxacum officinale
NatureServe Explorer: Taraxacum officinale
USDA Plants: Taraxacum officinale
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States: Taraxacum officinale
Bugwood Network Images: Taraxacum officinale
