Dandelions: living with, or without, them

Bright yellow dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) are a common sight in lawns and gardens across Oregon, mostly in undisturbed areas. Some people enjoy seeing them, while others think of them as weeds. Whether you love them or want to get rid of them, it helps to know more about dandelions — how they grow, what good they can do, and how to manage them if needed.

What are dandelions?

Dandelions, also known as lion’s tooth, originated from Europe and were considered a resilient, perennial forage plant with medicinal values. They belong to Asteraceae or daisy family. They grow best in full soil and moist soil but can survive in light shade and dry conditions upon establishment.

Dandelions can grow new plants from their roots or from seeds. They have a strong taproot that commonly penetrates 6 to 18 inches if not deeper into the soil. It can regenerate new plants from the taproot segments as short as 1 inch even when the plant is cut off at or below the soil surface. In the fall, they lose their leaves and store nutrients in their roots. In the spring, they grow new leaves and bright yellow flowers, which later turn into puffballs that spread seeds. Each plant can produce up to 20,000 viable seeds.

Are dandelions good for pollinators?

Dandelions bloom early in spring, before many other flowers are available. Some studies show that dandelions can provide food (pollen and nectar) for bees and other insects when not much else is blooming.* However, dandelions are not the best food for bees — they’re like a snack, not a full meal. Bees do better with a variety of flowers, especially native plants.

So, while dandelions may help a little, planting other early-blooming flowers like Oregon grape or camas is even better for pollinators.

Are dandelions edible?

Yes. Nearly all parts of the dandelion plant are edible. People have used dandelions for hundreds of years in traditional recipes and medicines.

• Leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach.
• Flowers can be made into jelly or used to flavor drinks.
• Roots are sometimes roasted to make a coffee-like drink.

Always be sure the dandelions you eat haven’t been sprayed with herbicides or growing near roads where they might be contaminated. Wash dandelions before eating, and avoid cultivating them where pets (cats and dogs) may come in contact with them.

Dandelions in culture

Dandelions appear in many cultures. Some see them as symbols of hope or healing. Others use them in traditional medicines to help with digestion or as a mild diuretic. In Appalachia and other rural parts of the United States, dandelion greens are a springtime food. In France, the roots have been used to make a type of wine. Dandelions are also part of some Chinese and Indigenous herbal traditions.

How to live without dandelions

You're not alone if you’re not a fan of dandelions. They spread easily and can be tough to remove. That’s because of their strong taproot. If even a small piece stays in the ground, the plant can regrow.

Non-chemical ways to control dandelions

• Pulling by hand: The best time to pull dandelions is when the soil is slightly moist and the plant is young and small. Try to get as much of the root as possible. Special weed-pulling tools can help.
• Cutting below the surface: You can also use a knife or garden tool to cut 4–5 inches below the ground to remove more of the root.

• Mulching: Cover the area with at least 3 inches of mulch (like wood chips or bark). This blocks sunlight and makes it harder for dandelions to grow. Make sure to replenish the mulch layer as needed to maintain the least 3 inches depth.
  • Alternatively, especially in landscape plantings, mulching with landscape fabrics such as black polyethylene mulch, polypropylene or polyester fabric is effective. Cover the fabric with bark or wood chips to protect it from sunlight and look better aesthetically.
• Deadheading flowers: Cutting off flowers before they turn into puffballs stops seeds from spreading.
• Weed flamers: These will kill the above-ground parts and can be useful in areas like gravel walkways. Avoid use near bark mulch or dry grass.
• Grow a strong lawn: Mow higher as well as water and fertilize the lawn to help grass grow thick and healthy. A strong lawn can crowd out new dandelions.

Chemical control methods

Organic herbicides

• Botanically based oils — for example cinnamon oil, clove oil and d-limonene — caprylic acid, or citric acid-based products are available for use in organic home gardening. These are contact, non-selective, broad-spectrum herbicides meaning that it will affect only those plants that are covered with the spray solution. Keep it away from plants you want to keep. While these products will control emerged dandelions, they do not prevent dandelion seeds from spreading and growing. Please note the “DANGER” signal word on the product label due to potential hazards to human, animals and environment when exposed, and the personal protection equipment requirements. Always read the label first and follow instructions.

• Commercial horticultural (herbicidal) vinegar products are also available for use in organic home gardening. Regular household vinegar isn’t strong enough to kill dandelions. It has only 5% acetic acid, while horticultural vinegar made for weed control has 20%. Also, please note the “DANGER” signal word on the product label due to potential hazards to human, animals and environment when exposed, and the personal protection equipment requirements.

Synthetic herbicides

• For lawns: Selective herbicides such as 2,4-D and triclopyr are effective to control dandelions in lawn areas. A blend of both is also available for home gardeners. You can apply over lawns or spot spray on lawns with no damage to the grass by following directions on the label.
• For landscape/garden areas: Non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate is effective and can be applied as a spot spray. It will damage both broadleaf plants and grass. This should not be used for spot-spray in lawns and near your desirable plants unless you want to reseed or replant the area.

Early spring and late fall are the best times to treat dandelions. Fall applications are considered even more effective. Herbicidal effect combined with winter cold stress can significantly weaken or even kill the plants.

What about home remedies?

There is no scientific evidence to show that home remedies such as dish soap and Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) are effective at killing plants including dandelion. Such home remedies can have negative impacts on beneficial insects and the environment.

Whether you choose to live with dandelions or without them, knowing how they grow and what role they play in your yard can help you make the best choice for your garden.

*Harmon-Threatt, A. (2020). The impact of exotic floral resources on pollinator health. Current Opinion in Insect Science, 38, 55–60.