DANDELIONS AND YOUR LAWNThe dandelion—the most common of weeds—is exceptionally great at multiplying

once established on a lawn. Thanks to its biology, dandelions have successfully adapted to growing and thriving across many continents and climate zones.

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For more information about how to protect your lawn from dandelions and other weeds, contact your local Spring-Green Lawn Care professional.

LIFE CYCLE of a

DANDELION

DANDELION CONTROL The best way to control dandelions is to:

Establish good practices

Water your lawn regularly

Mow high

Fertilize your lawn

Core aerate and over-seed your lawn.

Weed control applications in the spring and fall will help to control dandelions long-term.

DANDELION FACTSFACT: The name “Dandelion” comes from French phrase “dent de lion” or lions tooth.

FACT: Dandelions are a perennial plant.

FACT: Dandelions have many health benefits, including being rich in beta carotene, iron, calcium, and vitamin A. They are an effective diuretic, aid in the removal of gall stones, and decrease liver swelling.

FACT: Seeds are carried as far as 5 miles from their original start.

FACT: 240,000,000 seeds can be produced per acre of dandelions annually.

FACT: Dandelions can grow for 5-10 years and can reach nearly 20 in. across.

FACT: Cutting or pulling a dandelion weed will remove the top growth, but a new plant will re-grow from the root that remains underground.

FACT: Dandelions have one of the longest flowering seasons of any plant.5 MI

1acre

240 million

20 in.

Dandelions grow from seeds that germinate throughout the growing season.

The plant remains in the seedling stage for approximately 8-15 weeks. Dandelions

produce a rosette of tiny leaves that are pale yellowish-green color. At the same time, the

plant is growing a deep root. As leaves mature they become wider and their edges

go from smooth to jagged.

SEEDLINGSTAGEONE

The mature dandelion plant grows leaves between 3-10 inches long, typically sitting flush

to the ground, growing larger as it matures. The plant’s roots are usually 6-18 inches underground, and the buds sprout from

the upper part of the root.

MATURE PLANTSTAGETWO

During this stage of the dandelion life cycle, the flowers can bloom all growing season, but tend to bloom most often in the spring and fall. The flower stem can grow up to 12

inches tall from the center of the plant. Each plant can grow nearly 12 flowers within a

growing season. Flower heads open and close based on weather conditions. The flower will measure 1-2 inches in diameter. Each plant

can produce up to 12 flowers annually.

FLOWERSTAGETHREE

Each flower head can produce nearly 174 seeds. A single plant can produce over

2,000 seeds annually. Flower heads stay open for a couple of days before closing and reopening again several days later to release their seeds. Seeds are attached

individually to their own “helicopters” known as the Pappus, and are spread by the wind or other physical disturbances. Seeds that

settle into soil in a sunny area will grow into a new dandelion seedling.

SEEDSTAGEFOUR