Dandelion
taraxacum officinale
Also known as: ["Common Dandelion","Lion's Tooth","Piss-a-Bed"]
Overview
A widespread perennial herbaceous plant known for its bright yellow flowers and toothed leaves, often considered a weed in lawns but valued for its edible and medicinal properties.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","medicinal use","culinary herb","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Taraxacum |
| Botanical Name: | Taraxacum officinale |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: naturalized areas, lawns, meadows, or as a hardy ornamental in garden beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"−30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–10"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate drainage; tolerates slightly heavy soil but prefers not to sit in water.
- Soil Type: Adaptable; prefers loamy, fertile soil; tolerates poor soil but thrives with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed; deadhead flowers regularly during blooming season; trim foliage in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless removing large portions of damaged growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) preferred; tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates; adjust exposure based on seasonal light intensity.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in hot regions; adjust placement to avoid leaf scorch or etiolation.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; monitor for signs of sunburn or legginess.
Watering
every 7–14 days, depending on rainfall and soil moisture
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; prioritize deep watering over frequent shallow applications.
Soil
tolerant of most soil types, prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid waterlogged soil; enrich with organic matter annually; test pH if issues arise.
Temperature
Adaptable; thrives in 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but may struggle above 85°F (29°C) without shade.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
rarely required, if needed apply a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 months during active growth
Fertilize sparingly to prevent excessive foliage growth; apply after watering to avoid root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or root division; seeds germinate easily; division is effective for mature plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds shallowly.
- Keep moist.
- Thin seedlings.
- Divide clumps by cutting roots with a sharp knife.
- Replant divisions immediately.
Best Time: Spring or early fall for seeds; divide clumps in early spring before active growth begins.
Environment
Warm, bright location with indirect light; maintain moderate humidity for seeds; divisions prefer similar conditions to mature plants.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix for seeds; garden soil for division.
Hormone
Not required for seeds; optional for division to encourage root growth.
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 1–3 weeks; divisions establish in 2–4 weeks.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, potting mix, watering can, sharp knife, gloves.
Quick Tips
Sow seeds in groups; space divisions adequately; water divisions thoroughly after planting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flower stalks at the base; trim damaged leaves with clean cuts; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing spent flowers and damaged foliage to encourage continuous blooming.
Tools
Hand pruners, scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or diseased parts; remove spent flowers; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Not typically required for established plants; container-grown plants may need repotting every 2–3 years if root-bound.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during active growth; reduce frequency in dormant seasons; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in prolonged cold; flowering may be delayed or inhibited.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration; can survive light frosts but prolonged freezing damages foliage and roots.
Solution: Mulch heavily to insulate roots; move potted plants to sheltered locations; avoid overwatering in cold conditions to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges; flowering may cease; growth slows significantly.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer label for NPK ratio; dilute correctly; apply during growing season; avoid contact with foliage.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicTaraxacum officinale is not considered toxic to cats. The plant is generally safe for feline consumption, though as with any new food, moderation is advised.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicTaraxacum officinale is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant is often consumed by dogs without adverse effects, though excessive consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicTaraxacum officinale, commonly known as dandelion, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. All parts of the plant are edible and have been used in traditional medicine and culinary practices for centuries.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is dandelion safe for pets?
A: Yes, dandelion is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Can I eat dandelion leaves?
A: Yes, the leaves, flowers, and roots are edible and often used in salads, teas, and other dishes.
Q: How do I control dandelions in my lawn?
A: Dandelions can be manually removed or controlled with herbicides, though they are resilient and may regrow.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–14 days, depending o |
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