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Print Dandelion Weed
The poor old dandelion; it is most often chosen as the archetypal weed. Advertisers of weed killers show it dying in paths and lawns. It seems it is the most recognisable weed, with its rosette of green leaves and the stalk leading to the attractive yellow sunburst flower head or ball of fluffy seeds.
The dandelion draws its name from the French ‘dent de lion’ meaning teeth of a lion referring to the serrated leaves. Its Latin name is Taraxacum officinale which is derived from the Arabic tarakhshaquin meaning bitter herb, the leaves can be eaten but if you are thinking of trying it in your salad take care that it has not just been sprayed with herbicide.
We all think we know the dandelion but there are many similar plants that are easily mistaken for dandelions. Many have a similar flat rosette shape and yellow sunburst flowers on stalks emerging from the centre of the rosette. Here are some similar weeds with their distinguishing features:
Name and What to Look For | Image |
Dandelion - Taraxacum officinale ‘Teeth’ on edge of leaves point back towards base. White sap. |
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Cape Weed – Arctotheca calendula Woolly undersides of leaves and angular lobes. |
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Hawksbeard – Crepis capillaris Multiple stems and flower heads. |
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Oxtongue – Helminthotheca echiodes Leaves wavy but not lobbed. |
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Catsear – Hypochaeris radicata Thick, hairy, dull green, lance-shaped leaves with rounded lobes. | |
Hawkbit – Leontodon taraxacoides Leaves shallowly lobed. Fine hairs on leaves forked. | |
Sow Thistle – Sonchus oleraceus Leaves soft, hairless, divided nearly to mid-rib. | |
Wall Rocket – Diplotaxis muralis Leaves slightly blue-green with a long stalk. |
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If you need to get rid of these weeds then our recommendations are:
In Lawns
- Apply the selective herbicide LawnPro Turfclean or Turfclean & Green. This will effectively control the rosette weed but will leave lawn grasses unaffected. Alternatively, the rosette weed can be spot sprayed with Weed Weapon Rapid Action or painted with Weed Weapon Invade Gel.
- For best results use in Spring and Autumn when weeds and turf are growing.
In Garden Beds
- Spot treat with Weed Weapon Rapid Action orWeed Weapon Invade Gel. Weed Weapon is systemic and kills weeds down to the roots within 2-4 days and is an ideal product for use around established trees and shrubs. It is inactive in the soil so planting can be safely carried out soon after treatment.
- For a fast-acting organic solution use Kiwicare Weed Weapon Natural Power.
- For best results use in Spring and Autumn when weeds and turf are growing.
In Paths and Driveways
- For long term control on paths and driveways use Weed Weapon Long Term. This will kill a wide range of weeds and prevent regrowth for up to 12 months.
- For a fast-acting organic solution use Weed Weapon Natural Power.
- For best results use in Spring and Autumn when weeds and turf are growing.
David Brittain
Kiwicare
