Are Dandelions Weeds?

Classification

• Dandelion is classified as a major weed in all landscape settings including lawns, ornamental plantings, pastures and meadows, states the University of California Extension. Also commonly referred to as puffball, blowball and lion's tooth, there are nearly 40 different varieties of dandelion around the world.

Description

• The perennial weed grows to a mature height of 4 to 6 inches with 3- to 10-inch-long, arrow-shaped leaves that are purple shaded near the point of emergence in the plant crown. Young leaves harvested early have a mild spinach flavor.

  The flower heads, which are composed of 100 to 300 tiny, ray flowers and resemble puffballs, grow on 6- to 24-inch-tall stalks and start blooming in spring.

Seed Dispersal

• Days after the flower fades, the wind carries away the seeds. The seeds start to germinate at the soil surface or at a very shallow depth, leading to the profuse production of new weeds. Moisture and soil temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher aid the germination process. The seeds germinate all through the growing season and the seedling stage is anywhere between eight and 15 weeks.

Infestation Problem

• Dandelion infestation leads to dense, foliar mats that are 6 to 14 inches in diameter. The plants crowd out the desirable plant species and compete aggressively for nutrients and water. The perennial weed reduces the aesthetic value of lawns and the clumping growth habit reduces footing grip in golf courses and athletic fields.

Control

• The weed has a deep and extensive root system that makes removal and control through pulling or hoeing nearly impossible unless done continually over an extended period of time. The use of preemergent herbicides, such as isoxaben, and postemergence herbicides, such as glophosate, 2,4-D, mecoprop or triclopyr, are effective in controlling the growth of dandelions.