Scientific Name

Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion

Common Name

Dandelion. Other: Schoolboys clock, Lions Tooth, Dent-de-lion, Bitteraks, Bumpie, Canker, Clockflower, Devilasmilkpot, Dog posy, Doonhead, Goldensuns, Irish Daisy, Messabed, Manscock, Horsegowan, Pishamoolag.

Type

Low growing perennial

Description

Yellow flowers from March to September. Close at Night. 100 species. Low growing toothed leaves. Underground tap root

Habitat

Short grassland <300ft

Folklore

Irritant sap used for liver complaints. Dried roots used as a coffee substitute. Blanched leaves in salads. Wine and beer made from flower heads. Children used it to 'tell the time' by blowing the seed heads.

Soil Type

All Types

Soil Fertility

Good

Soil Moisture

Dry

Soil pH

All

Sunlight

Full sun

Success

Profuse production of fluffy parachute dressed seeds dispersed by wind. Flowers may self pollinate. Thick deep tap root not easily removed. Root will propagate from tiny species. Leaves are low growing and will miss the blades of the mower.

Importance

Very common serious weed of lawns and waste ground

Cultural Control

(1.2) Winter (2.8) all year.

Chemical Control

(3.3.2) or (3.3.4) in a lawn

Information Collated by James M. Burton as part of H.N.D. Course at Pencoed Agricultural College.
Chemical Information Correct as of 06:06:97. Always read and follow the instruction when using herbicides.