Dandelion Weeds
The dandelion is one of the most common weeds seen in cool season turf. This perennial, herbaceous plant grows year-round but goes dormant in areas that experience a cold winter. It can be easily identified by its bright yellow flowers, jagged-toothed leaves arranged in a rosette, and “puff-ball” seed carrier. When broken or damaged, it exudes a milky white liquid known as latex and has a thick taproot that can penetrate the soil up to 10 to 15 feet.
Dandelion is a widely distributed perennial broadleaf hardy weed. It can grow just about anywhere, namely fields, gardens, lawns, forests, mountain meadows, or even wastelands. It can be found more commonly in disturbed areas (like a burned forest, an avalanche site, marshlands, etc.) and anywhere from sea level to high alpine elevations. This plant tends to grow more in areas laden with sunlight rather than in shady spots or under trees.
This plant derives its name “Dandelion” from the French term ‘dent-de-lion’ meaning ‘lion’s tooth’.
This plant also serves an important role in the food chain – its high mineral content provides a beneficial supplement to livestock feed.
Unfortunately, it can also cause mechanical disruption due to its tiny hairs which accumulate on agricultural tools and equipment. Regular lawn maintenance is essential to control this bothersome weed. To protect your lawn from this plant’s prolific growth, make sure to mow regularly and apply herbicide as soon as you notice its presence. If left unchecked, this troublesome weed can quickly spread, resulting in an eyesore on your property.
For these reasons, it is important to remain vigilant and aware of dandelion’s presence.
Dandelion: Quick Facts
| Plant name | Dandelion |
| Scientific name | Taraxacum officinale |
| Family | Compositae |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Found in | Asia, Europe, and temperate regions of North America |
| Habitat | This plant is able to establish itself on most soil types and can grow just about anywhere namely fields, gardens, lawns, roadsides, orchards, forests, mountain meadows, or even wastelands. |
| Roots | Dandelions have deep tap roots that can penetrate through most soil profiles. |
| Reproductive method | This plant depends on seed dispersal for reproduction |
| Leaf | Smooth margined, toothed, or deeply cut |
| Seedlings | Cotyledons or seed leaves are hairless, oval, and have a midvein that terminates with a gland at the leaf tip. |
| Flowers | Fluffy, bright yellow flowers with small petals |
| Fruits | Tiny, brown, one-seeded fruit. Overall the fruit form gray-white, fuzzy, spherical fruiting head |
| Benefits | Consumed for its nutritional and medicinal benefits |
| Preferred soil | Moist soil, having acidic pH |
| Cultural significance | Symbolizes growth, optimism, and good luck |
Dandelion Flowers Colors
Its flowers are unique and beautiful with various colors. While most dandelion flowers are yellow colored, some species also boast pink or white varieties, each having a special significance.
Yellow Dandelions
The yellow dandelion flower is a symbol of optimism, peace, happiness, good health, growth, and friendship.
Its cheerful appearance is often seen as a reminder to maintain an upbeat outlook and cherish the people in our lives.
Pink Dandelions
Pink dandelions can be seen as a symbol of playfulness, joy, gentleness, affection, and romantic interest.
They are often associated with child-like innocence, relaxed moments, love, and kindness. The pink of the petals serves to remind us that life’s most precious moments deserve to be celebrated and cherished.
White Dandelions
White dandelions carry a variety of meanings, from innocence and purity to healing, youth, and grief.
These elegant flowers have been used for centuries to represent the fragility of life, reminding us to make the most of each day.
Phylogeny and Taxonomy
Living in meadows and fields, the dandelion is a common sight, with its bright yellow petals and feathery leaves. But what you may not know is that it belongs to an incredibly diverse group of flowering plants known as Phylum Anthophyta or Angiosperms.
One of the largest families within the angiosperms is the aster/sunflower family (Asteraceae), to which this plant belongs. It is easy to recognize because the flowers occur in dense clusters (inflorescences) that themselves look like a single flower.
The genus Taraxacum, to which dandelions belong, is particularly complex due to the complications of apomixis and polyploidy. Apomixis allows any given plant to produce seeds asexually and without pollination, resulting in offspring that is genetically identical to the parent plant. And polyploidy occurs when a parent has more than one pair of (homologous) chromosomes. Both of these processes are seen commonly in this particular genus.
Plants of the Taraxacum genus have tap roots that go straight down into the soil and are perennial (which means they can live year after year).
Structure of Dandelions
The dandelion is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant that forms rosettes (very short stems with leaves occurring in a circular pattern).
It has an enlarged storage root that is capable of producing adventitious shoots; therefore, if anyone tries to pull the plant up but fails to get the entire root then parenchyma cells in the remaining root develop into shoot apical meristems. These grow to the soil surface and again produce a rosette of leaves. This process is called “adventitious shoot growth” and it allows the dandelions to spread easily.
Each leaf on the plant has an axillary bud. These axillary buds can develop into branches in many plants, but in the case of the dandelion, these branch shoots only develop into inflorescences that after developing fruits will fall off the plant.
This fascinating species is a great example of how nature works to ensure survival and reproduction.
Reproduction in Dandelions
Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) reproduce without the help of the sexual process. Like other flowering plants, it does produce flowers and form ovules, but there is no meiosis to produce haploid cells. As a result, no egg is produced and syngamy is impossible. However, seeds are produced by apomixis, i.e. without the sexual process.
The resulting seeds are single-seeded fruits with the fruit and seed wall fused to each other. A stalk extends from the top of the fruit that ends in feathery arms. These arms help to create a vortex of low pressure above the fruit, allowing it to remain aloft for an extended period of time.
Although Taraxacum officinale reproduces through apomixis, there are many other species in the Taraxacum genus that are sexual in nature.
Matter and Energy
It is a hardy and resilient plant, perfectly adapted to survive with little resources. It acquires its energy from the sun through photosynthesis, converting carbon dioxide into carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are used as an energy source, or fuel, by oxidation through cellular respiration. This plant also takes in 14 mineral elements via the soil, giving it the nutrition needed for growth. A single dandelion is able to produce 1000 seeds that can travel vast distances in search of new land.
What are The Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Dandelions?
Dandelion has been studied in animals, but not yet in humans. Nevertheless, its various health benefits may provide us with a promising natural alternative for treating certain conditions, including liver diseases, obesity, and digestive complaints. Furthermore, some animal studies show that this plant could possibly help normalize blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol levels while raising the good cholesterol in diabetic mice. Further research is needed to assess whether it will yield the same results in humans. Lastly, there are some indications that this plant might be beneficial in fighting inflammation as well.
Dandelion has the following Benefits and Medicinal Uses:
1) Nutritional Benefits
Dandelions are rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber, etc., and have numerous health benefits.
Their leaves can be consumed raw or cooked, adding vital nutrients to salads or other dishes.
The root of the plant can also be used in making herbal tea or can be cooked like any other vegetable.
Therefore, one way to easily add a nutritional boost to your diet is to include this plant in your meals.
2) Promotes Healthy Bones
Studies have demonstrated that consuming dandelion greens can help maintain healthy bones. The impressive nutrient profile found in this plant, including calcium, and vitamin K, has been linked to improved bone density and reduced risk of osteoporosis. As part of a balanced diet, dandelion greens may be an effective tool for caring for our bones.
3) Protects Skin Health
Dandelions are more than just a weed in your backyard. Researchers have found that they contain compounds that can help protect skin from the harsh effects of UV radiation. Furthermore, these protective properties may be even better than some over-the-counter sunscreens.
4) Weight Loss Management
This plant can have a powerful effect on your body’s metabolism.
Consuming dandelions can help regulate weight by increasing carbohydrate metabolism and reducing the amount of fat absorbed. Keeping this low-calorie super-food in your kitchen pantry can be a smart way to maintain a healthy figure.
5) Supports Digestion and Liver Health
Dandelions have a long history of medicinal use. Rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, they are known to be effective against various digestive issues and liver diseases. Constipation is one of the ailments that dandelions are especially helpful for, as they stimulate the flow of bile and aid digestion. Regular consumption of dandelion tea can help keep your gut healthy and free from digestive discomfort.
6) Improves Immune System
This plant is a natural remedy powerhouse, packed with essential antimicrobial and antiviral properties to help your body fight off infections. Research shows that these beneficial compounds can provide relief from a wide range of illnesses and diseases. A simple addition of this plant to your diet could be just the thing you need for powerful preventative health care.
7) Lowers Blood Pressure
Potassium is an essential mineral for the human body, and one of its primary sources is the dandelion leaf. It helps maintain the balance between a fluid distribution and electrolyte levels. As such, adequate levels of potassium in the bloodstream can help to regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension.
8) Lowers Inflammation
Its extracts and compounds have been found to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This can be beneficial in treating injuries or infections, as it reduces the body’s defensive response and promotes healing. Moreover, this natural remedy has a range of other health benefits due to its antioxidant content and is safe for regular use.
9) Source of Antioxidants
Dandelions are bursting with powerful antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage. Beta-carotene is one of these antioxidants, found in the plant’s leaves.
Dandelions also contain polyphenols, a type of antioxidant mainly found in their flowers. Thus, adding this plant to your diet could give you added protection against the damaging effects of free radicals.
How do Dandelions Spread?
Dandelions are resilient species that exhibit exceptional adaptability and survival tactics. It can spread quickly, due to its ability to spread both by seeds, as well as through the growth of new shoots from roots or root segments. Its seeds are easily blown around by wind and thus, it can quickly spread into adjoining downwind areas.
As a result, this plant can easily take root in different areas and environments.
How to Control or Get Rid of Dandelion Weeds?
Dandelions can be a difficult weed to tackle, as the wind-borne seeds can spread quickly. Fortunately, several methods are available for controlling their growth. However, all these methods for dandelion removal must be done on an annual basis; otherwise, the weeds will soon return. With consistent maintenance and effort, you can still achieve successful removal of this weed from your garden or lawn.
1) Killing Dandelions with Herbicides
When combating dandelion weeds in your yard, you have two options for herbicides:
- Selective broadleaf herbicide
- Nonselective herbicide
Selective broadleaf herbicide targets only broadleaf weeds, including the dandelion, but will not harm the grass. On the other hand, non-selective herbicide destroys any plant it comes into contact with, making it ideal for spot treatment of this weed in flower beds and in walkways.
To ensure effectiveness, make sure to apply the herbicide before the dandelion flowers have emerged. In this case, timing is important as after developing flowers the weed become resistant to herbicides.
2) Hand Digging For Dandelion Removal
Hand digging is an effective method to control this weed – and all you need is a shovel or special “dandelion puller”. In the early spring when seedlings start to appear, survey your lawn for this weed and dig up its taproots. Take note that the taproots can run deep, so make sure to remove them completely.
It is not possible that you will kill every dandelion weed in your lawn during the first round of hand digging. So, some dandelions may still regrow from the roots, but by hand digging regularly every few weeks you can make sure to keep your garden dandelion-free.
3) Using a Pre-emergent For Dandelion Control
A pre-emergent is a chemical whose application prevents seeds from germinating. Its application is the best way to tackle dandelion control in your lawn or flower bed. Applying a pre-emergent in late winter (before the dandelion seeds have had a chance to germinate) will prevent its seeds from germinating, keeping your yard from becoming overrun with these pesky weeds.
With all of these methods for controlling this weed, the key to successful dandelion control is to prevent this plant from going to seed. Once the fluffy seed heads appear, the number of dandelions in your lawn will multiply, and you will be fighting an uphill battle. With some advanced planning and effort, you can have a beautiful lawn free from this weed.
Conclusion
Dandelions are a common weed that can be found in gardens, yards, and parks all around the world. They have many uses, ranging from medicinal to culinary to decorative. Although they are generally viewed as obnoxious intruders, they are actually quite beneficial when used correctly. With a bit of knowledge and some proper control methods, dandelion weeds can be kept in check while still getting their various benefits.
References:
1) Weed Gallery – UC IPM
2) Weeds – Michigan State University
https://www.canr.msu.edu/weeds/extension/dandelion
Recommended Articles:
1) Pokeweed: How To Identify and Get Rid Of It
2) Poison Ivy Weed: How To Identify & Get Rid Of It
3) Purslane Weed: How To Identify & Get Rid Of It
4) Pigweed (Amaranth): Identification, Control, & Types
5) How to Identify and Control Canada Thistle Weed?
6) Lambs Quarters Weed: A Comprehensive Guide