Dandelion is a perennial plant that has a deep tap root. Plants tend to colonize where grass has been over grazed and soil fertility is low.
Dandelion
What is Dandelion?
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a perennial plant that has a deep taproot and are commonly found where fields are overgrazed, and soil fertility is poor. Because they have deeper rooting systems than grass, nutrients are being taken up by the weeds and not the grass. Such grass swards may contain less competitive grass species and so these weeds can quickly dominate. Plants tend to colonise where grass has been overgrazed and soil fertility is low.
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Biology
Plants produce a rosette of leaves and flower from May to October and have yellow flowers.
Plants can produce up to 400 seeds per flower head.
An individual plant can produce between 2,000 and 12,000 seeds.
Propagation has adapted to wind dispersal.
How can I identify dandelions?
Flowering plant
Dandelion leaves
Dandelion seeds
Why are dandelions a problem?
Although dandelions are palatable to livestock, they are relatively unproductive in terms of nutrition and so can reduce the overall productivity of pasture if they are present.
They also compete with grass for light, water, nutrients, and space, therefore reducing grass quality and yield.
How do I control dandelions?
For optimal control spray before flowering, but when there is sufficient green leaf to take in the herbicide.
Avoid over grazing and improve soil fertility.
If dandelions are the main target, use Envy®. If there is a mixed population of dandelions and docks, use Doxstar® Pro.
For a wide spectrum of weeds, including dandelions use Forefront® T. Remember Forefront® T offers exceptional broad-leaved weed control but can only be used on grazing ground grazed by cattle or sheep.
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Doxstar® Pro is a concentrated formulation controlling all species of docks in established grassland.
Envy controls buttercups, dandelions and other perennial weeds in paddocks and low productivity grassland.
Forefront® T delivers the highest levels of control of docks, thistles, nettles, ragwort, buttercups and dandelions.