Download WEED OF THE MONTH (March 2009)

Texas Has A Separate Variety
WEED OF THE MONTH (March 2009) - Dandelion
By Anna Wygrys, MG ‘93
Chairperson, MGA Board of Directors
Photos by MG Anna Wygrys
Other Common Names: Lion’s Tooth, Puff Ball, Blow Ball and Monk’s Head
Scientific Name: Taraxacum officinale
Dandelion Flower
Young Dandelion
Dandelion Seed Head
References to trade names are made with the
understanding that no discrimination is intended
and no endorsement is implied by Texas AgriLife
Extension Service.
Dandy Lion? Who named these weeds “Dandy” lion? The only dandy, meaning a fashionable
male, in this weed is the frilly ruffle of petals that surround the flower head.
Two major species of dandelion thrive in our year-round growing season and heavy soils.
They are very adaptable to sun or partial shade and grow prodigiously in flood to drought
conditions.
The scientific or botanical name for Dandelion is Taraxacum officinale. Common names
are Lion’s Tooth, Puff Ball, Blow Ball and Monk’s Head. It is a perennial introduced from
Europe. The deeply serrated, prickly, sometimes hairy leaves grow low against the ground in
a rosette. The bright yellow flowers are borne singly on slender stalks of two to six inches.
The flowers are usually one to one and a quarter inches in diameter.
Texas, being what it is, has a separate variety, the Texas Dandelion or Multistemed Dandelion,
Pyrrhopappus multicaulis. Other common names are False Dandelion and Pota de Leon. This
is a cool season native annual, but it can weather the heat and humidity in this area to be
a year-round pest. It grows much larger, up to 24 – 36 inches, than its cousin. The deeply
lobed lower leaves form a rosette. Upper leaves are alternate along the tall stem and have as
few as two to three or even no lobes. The flowers are in clusters and each bloom is three/
fourths of an inch in diameter.
The Romans used very young leaves of Danelion for salads and older leaves and flowers were
brewed into teas and wine for numerous ailments. (The laxative properties were considered
very beneficial!) The plants are rich in vitamins and minerals. Yummy!
The root system is primarily a very strong taproot that has been documented up to 15 feet in
length. However, determined gardener wielding a hoe can win in a battle with these roots. All
of the root must be removed because as little as one inch can regenerate into multiple plants.
The seed head is the most recognizable feature of all varieties. The small, dark seeds are
attached to a parachute or ‘pappus’ that catches the wind to sail for long distances. The fluff
can be a major problem to mechanized equipment because it clogs the air intake on engines.
Seed germination can occur in temperatures starting at 55° F.
There are products to aid in the battle against the Dandelion. Please read and follow
the directions on the packaging because they are not universally effective for all landscape
situations.
Landscape Ornamentals:
No chemicals are currently recommended for this purpose. Utilize hand-removal and
practice prevention through using landscape fabrics and organic mulches. Pre-emergents
such as Isoxaben and oxyfluorfen can be applied to soils prior to germination of weed seeds.
However, these can damage bedding plants.
Grass
Effective IngredientPre-emergentPost-emergent
Glyphosate
X
Isoxaben
X
2,4-D
X
Triclopyr
X
MCPA
X
Mecoprop
X
.
Orchards
Post-emergent
X
.
How to best control the dandelion is a “perennial question.” PREVENTION is easiest and
DELIGENCE in eradicating problems when they occur works the best.
*