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Pest SolutionsPESTS + WEEDSUSING PESTICIDES OR HERBICIDES?
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Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Updated Mar 18, 2024
Make a Positive Identification
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a low-growing plant with yellow flowers that form balls of seeds. Dandelion plants live for many years (perennial).
Species: Dandelion
Elekes Andor, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Leaves and yellow flowers grow from a tap root. Yellow flowers that measure 1–2 inches grow on single stems.
Species: Dandelion
Lynn Sosnoskie, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Dandelion plants have jagged leaves that grow 2–10 inches long. The leaves look like lion teeth (the French name is “dent de lion”).
Species: Dandelion
Joseph O'Brien, Joseph O'Brien, Bugwood.org
Flowers mature into a ball of seeds (seed head). The seeds detach and float away to new locations. When seeds land on exposed soil, new plants sprout and grow.
Species: Dandelion
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
The long 6-to-18-inch taproot must be removed or killed, or the plant will regrow.
Look-Alike: Catsear
Species: Catsear
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Catsear (Hypochaeris radicata) is also known as hairy cat’s ear or false dandelion. It looks similar to dandelion. Catsear’s leaves are textured and hairy. Dandelion leaves are smooth without hairs. Solutions for dandelion also work for catsear.
Species: Catsear
"starr-080317-3623-Hypochoeris_radicata-flowers-Makawao-Maui" by Starr Environmental is marked with CC BY 2.0.
Catsear grows long, slender, branching stems with yellow flowers 24 to 32 inches from the ground. Dandelion has one flower per stem.
Species: Catsear
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Dandelion (left) and catsear (right) growing side by side in sidewalk crack.
Dandelion Benefits
- Dandelion flowers provide nectar and pollen for pollinators such as honey bees.
- The leaves, flowers, and roots of dandelion are edible if not sprayed with an herbicide.
Only eat wild edible plants you correctly identify. Thoroughly wash before eating. Only eat dandelions from your own property. Don’t eat dandelions that have been sprayed with chemicals or are growing on roadsides. Consider whether the soil where the plant is growing might have been contaminated.
Dandelion Risks
- Dandelion is a common lawn and landscape weed.
- It spreads quickly by seed.
- Dandelion often dominates an area when left unmanaged. It grows in poor soil conditions.
Risk Card
Does it cause harm?
Adults & Children
Some
Attracts bees and a problem for allergic people
Property
Low
Pets
None
Annoyance
Some
Environment
Helpful
Food source for pollinators
Action Optional
Take Action?
Dandelion is a very common weed and people have varying opinions about it.
Do I need to take action?
- You could leave dandelion alone.
- If you don’t want it growing in an area, you will have to take action.
- If you have neighbors who can’t tolerate dandelions, be a good neighbor and keep dandelion from going to seed on your property.
What if I do nothing?
- Dandelion spreads by floating seeds to new locations. Seeds sprout and grow in exposed soil.
- It takes over neglected areas.
NEED HELP?
Consider a licensed pest control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon and other states can suggest other methods.
Solutions for Dandelion
Physically Remove Plants
Digging dandelion plants out by the root is effective. The effectiveness depends on how much of the root is removed. Dandelion can regrow from pieces of root left in the ground.
Herbicides (Weed Killers)
Weed killers (herbicides) effectively control dandelion when used according to the label instructions.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
- Dandelion spreads by seeds that float on the wind. Expect new dandelion plants to grow in areas with exposed soil.
- After you remove dandelion, new plants will grow in the same spot unless you take steps to prevent them.
Jump To
| Method | Does it work? | Is it safe? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
A Physically Remove |
Very effective |
Low risk |
Recommended |
B 2,4-D Herbicide for Lawns |
Very effective |
Moderate risk |
Use if Necessary |
C Glyphosate Herbicide for Non-lawn Areas |
Very effective |
Moderate risk |
Use if Necessary |
D Organic Herbicides |
Somewhat effective |
Moderate risk |
Use if Necessary |
E Weed Preventer Herbicides |
Effective |
Moderate risk |
Use if Necessary |
F Weed & Feed (Herbicide & Fertilizer) |
Effective |
Moderate risk |
Avoid |
G Homemade Weed Killers |
Somewhat effective |
Moderate risk |
Not Recommended |
|
H If Using Herbicides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
|
|||
|
I Prevent Dandelion
|
|||
A
Physically Remove Plants
Non-Chemical Method
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Physically Remove Plants
Recommended
Digging out dandelion plants and roots with hand tools is effective.
| Does it work? | Very effective
|
| How much effort? | Moderate effort Dig out individual plants. Follow up by applying grass seed to fill in gaps. |
| What's the risk? | Low risk |
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | NONE |
Remove dandelion plants by digging out the plant and long root.
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Dandelion Removal Tips
- Dandelion can be managed any time of year. Digging the plants is easiest when the soil is moist.
- Monitor the spot for regrowth. Dig out plants as they regrow.
Soil Disturbance and Erosion
- Minimize soil disturbance as much as possible.
- Regrade the soil after digging dandelion roots. Apply mulch (when appropriate).
- Take steps to prevent erosion as needed.
- Replant the area to shade dandelion seedlings.
B
2,4-D Herbicide for Lawns
Chemical Method: Use with caution
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
2,4-D Herbicide for Lawns
Use if Necessary
Lawn-specific products with active ingredient 2,4-D effectively control dandelion and other broadleaf weeds without damaging lawns when used according to directions.
| Does it work? | Very effective Use preventive measures for best results. |
| How much effort? | Moderate effort Spot-spray individual weeds or spread over the entire lawn for many weeds. Follow up by applying grass seed to fill in gaps. |
| What's the risk? | Moderate risk
|
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | Using herbicides includes some amount of risk. The lowest risk comes with using alternative methods. You may be exposed to an herbicide if you:
Follow directions closely to reduce risk. |
Products that contain the active ingredient 2,4-D effectively kill dandelion and other broadleaf weeds without damaging lawns. Look for these chemical names in the “Active Ingredients” section of product labels.
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
HERBICIDE Application Tips
- Spray individual plants in lawns that contain few dandelion plants when hand removal is not an option.
- For lawns that contain many dandelion plants, consider applying herbicide such as 2,4-D over the entire lawn. This application will kill most of the broadleaf plants in the treated area.
- Read and understand the DIRECTIONS FOR USE section of the product label before reseeding or replanting the treated area.
- Reseed the spot-treated areas with grass seed or lawn patch.
- If there are many weeds, consider a total lawn replacement. See Practical Lawn Establishment and Renovation (OSU Extension Service).
Some products with 2,4-D (ester formulations) become a vapor when applied on hot days. The vapor can damage nearby plants. Check the label for temperature limits.
C
Glyphosate Herbicide for Paving & Landscape Areas
Chemical Method: Use with caution
StockSolutions, iStock
Glyphosate Herbicide for Paving & Landscape Areas
Use if Necessary
Herbicides with the active ingredient glyphosate control dandelion when used according to directions.
| Does it work? | Very effective Use preventive measures for best results. |
| How much effort? | Moderate effort Spot-spray individual weeds. |
| What's the risk? | Moderate risk
|
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | Using herbicides includes some amount of risk. The lowest risk comes with using alternative methods. You may be exposed to an herbicide if you:
Follow directions closely to reduce risk. |
Products that contain the active ingredient glyphosate effectively control dandelion. Look for this chemical name in the “Active Ingredients” section of product labels.
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Application Tips
- Use sprayer nozzles that make large droplets to avoid contact with desirable plants from fine mist.
- Spray individual dandelion plants when hand removal is not an option.
- Glyphosate will damage grass and should not be used to spot-spray dandelion in lawns unless you plan to reseed or apply lawn patch. It can be used for lawn renovations. See Practical Lawn Establishment and Renovation OSU Extension Service).
- Replant landscape plants to fill in gaps where dandelion may grow.
- Read and understand the DIRECTIONS FOR USE section of the product label before reseeding or replanting the treated area.
- Or apply mulch after dandelion plants die, to cover bare soil and keep new weeds from growing.
Products with glyphosate will damage most grasses and broadleaf plants. Don’t let spray get near plants you want to keep.
D
Organic Herbicides
Chemical Method: Use with caution
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Organic Herbicides
Use if Necessary
Organic herbicides are regarded as “contact” weed killers. They damage plant tissue that directly contacts the spray.
| Does it work? | Somewhat effective
|
| How much effort? | Moderate effort Repeat application is required to kill established dandelion plants. |
| What's the risk? | Moderate risk Herbicides come with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Review instructions even for brands you know. |
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | Using herbicides includes some amount of risk. The lowest risk comes with using alternative methods. You may be exposed to an herbicide if you:
Follow directions closely to reduce risk. |
Organic herbicides are useful to kill seedlings of dandelion and other weeds. They don’t kill established dandelion plants in a single application.
Weston Miller, Oregon State University | Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org (lower right)
Packaging / Marketing Clues (many brands)
Organic herbicides are derived from natural products. Look for terms such as “For Organic Gardening” (upper right) and “Eliminates unwanted vegetation quickly” as shown in the photo on the left. Also, look for terms such as “fast acting” and “burns weeds on contact.”
Benefits
- Organic herbicides are useful for killing small seedlings of dandelion and other weeds as shown in the photo above at lower right.
Drawbacks
- Ingredients only burn leaves on contact. They don’t travel in the plant to kill the roots of perennial plants such as dandelion.
Some organic herbicide ingredients can cause eye damage. Wear safety glasses when handling or applying. “Ready to Use” products pose less risk than concentrated products that have to be mixed.
Example Active Ingredients
Look for “Active Ingredients” on the product label. Here are some example ingredients:
- Caprylic acid and capric acid (listed in photo above on the left)
- Acetic acid
- Ammoniated soap of fatty acids (herbicidal soap)
- Iron HEDTA
- Citric acid
- Clove oil
E
Weed Preventer Herbicides
Chemical Method: Use with caution
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Weed Preventer Herbicides
Use if Necessary
Weed preventer products keep weed seeds from sprouting when used according to the label instructions.
| Does it work? | Effective They work to keep weed seeds from sprouting, but must be applied over and over for bare-soil areas. |
| How much effort? | Moderate effort Weed preventer products have to be applied repeatedly over time. |
| What's the risk? | Moderate risk
|
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | Using herbicides includes some amount of risk. The lowest risk comes with using alternative methods. You may be exposed to an herbicide if you:
Follow directions closely to reduce risk. |
Weed preventer products don’t address the underlying cause of dandelion problems: seeds sprouting on exposed soil. Use plants or mulch to cover the soil instead.
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Packaging / Marketing Clues (many brands)
The example product label highlights “Stop Weeds Before They Start.” The label also highlights active ingredient trifluralin.
Benefits
- Weed preventer products effectively keep dandelion and other weed seeds from sprouting in bare ground and lawn areas when used according to the label instructions.
Drawbacks
- Weed preventers have to be applied over and over to keep weeds from growing in bare-ground areas.
Recommended Methods
- Hand-pull or spot-spray weeds as needed.
- For lawns, apply grass seed or lawn patch products to bare spots.
- For landscapes, cover bare soil with 3 inches of mulch or grow desired plants to crowd out weeds.
F
Weed & Feed (Herbicide & Fertilizer)
Chemical Method: Use with caution
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Weed & Feed (Herbicide & Fertilizer)
Avoid
“Weed & feed” products combine weed killers (herbicides) and fertilizer in the same package. They are intended for use on lawns.
| Does it work? | Effective
|
| How much effort? | Moderate effort Spread over the entire lawn area with fertilizer spreader. Follow up by applying grass seed to fill in gaps. |
| What's the risk? | Moderate risk
|
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | Using herbicides includes some amount of risk. The lowest risk comes with using alternative methods. You may be exposed to an herbicide if you:
Follow directions closely to reduce risk. |
Avoid weed & feed products, if possible. They often include more ingredients than your lawn needs at any one point in time. With lawn chemicals, aim to use only what you need to protect water quality.
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Packaging / Marketing Clues (many brands)
The photo shows an example weed & feed product label. The label states “Kills Down to the Root” and “Greens Lawns.” Contains the active ingredient 2,4-D and other ingredients.
Benefits
- Weed & feed products effectively kill dandelion and other weeds when used according to the label instructions.
Drawbacks
- The best time to apply fertilizer is not always the best time to apply herbicide.
- Also, spreading herbicide over the entire lawn is often not necessary.
The herbicide ingredients in some weed & feed products can damage nearby trees and shrubs (bushes). If tree or shrub roots extend under your lawn, avoid using weed & feed products in the root zone of desired plants.
Recommended methods
- Hand-pull or spot-spray weeds as needed.
- Apply grass seed or lawn patch products to the areas where you dig up weeds.
G
Homemade Weed Killers
Not Recommended
iStock
Homemade Weed Killers
Not Recommended
Homemade mixtures with vinegar, soap, or other ingredients are not recommended for use as a weed killer (herbicide).
| Does it work? | Somewhat effective Homemade mixtures have not been tested in terms of effectiveness. How will you know if it works? |
| How much effort? | Moderate effort Make solution and apply to weeds. |
| What's the risk? | Moderate risk There aren’t standard safety instructions for homemade weed killers. You could harm yourself, desired plants, or the environment. |
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | Using homemade solutions to kill weeds includes some amount of risk. The lowest risk comes with using alternative methods. You may be exposed to homemade weed killer if you:
Homemade weed killers don't have safety instructions. How will you know how to keep yourself, desired plants, and the environment from harm? |
More About Homemade Weed Killers
- Homemade weed killers with ingredients such as soap and vinegar work like contact herbicides. They burn leaves of plants they contact, which can kill young, annual weeds.
- Homemade weed killers won’t kill established, perennial plants such as dandelion with one treatment. Perennial plants will regrow new leaves after the leaves are burned by homemade weed killers.
If Using Herbicides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
Chemical Method: Use with Caution
FangXiaNuo, iStock
Why is it important to read herbicide labels?
- They have detailed information on how to use the product correctly and legally.
- They contain information on potential hazards of the product.
- They provide instructions you should follow for poisonings and spills.
- Following label instructions helps to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits.
Key Herbicide Safety Tips
- Read the entire label front to back.
- Follow the instructions.
- Review the instructions even for brands you know.
- Only apply the product where the label says it may be applied.
- Be precise in your application. More is not better.
The Label is the Law
ALWAYS read the label before using herbicide products. The label is a legal document that provides information on how to safely use the herbicide. This helps avoid harm to human health and the environment. Using an herbicide in off-label ways is illegal. It can result in legal enforcement actions.
READ THE LABEL & Follow Instructions
It has instructions to protect you and the environment.
- Labels are different for every product and they often change over time.
- Use a magnifying glass if needed.
- Pay attention to CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER statements.
- Pay attention to the PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS.
- The law states you must read and follow herbicide instructions.
Protect Yourself
Eye, skin & lung irritants
- Wear the right protective gear. This often includes chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, a long-sleeve shirt, pants, socks, and shoes.
- Mix outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Wash hands after mixing or applying, and before eating or smoking.
- Take a shower immediately after handling herbicides.
- Wash clothes worn while mixing or applying separately from other laundry.
Protect Children & Pets
Children and pets are at risk if they eat or touch the plants before it dries.
- Keep them away during and after applying herbicides (read label for how long).
- Remove toys and pet dishes from yard before applying.
- Don’t track herbicide products into your home on shoes or clothes.
Protect Plants You Want to Keep
- Glyphosate and similar herbicide ingredients damage both grass and broadleaf plants.
- Minimize spraying of foliage, stems, exposed roots, or the trunks of desirable shrubs or trees to avoid harm.
- Follow the label to avoid damaging the roots of trees and shrubs.
Avoid Wet, Windy, or Hot Weather
Use during favorable weather for best results.
- Don’t spray when it’s raining or when rain is expected in the next 24 hours.
- Wind causes spray to drift that can get on you and desired plants.
- Herbicides may be less effective in hot weather if the target plants are moisture-stressed.
- Some herbicides can turn into a vapor in hot weather and damage nearby plants.
Protect Pollinators
- Apply in the early morning or evening when bees are less active.
- Kill weeds before they flower. Avoid spraying flowering plants.
- Do not spray on bees or insects.
Storage & Disposal
- Store in a secure area away from children.
- Don’t put unused herbicide products in the trash.
- Never pour down any drain or waterway.
- Take unused herbicides to a hazardous waste facility.
Call 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) to find out where to dispose of herbicides.
For the Portland metro region in Oregon, contact Metro’s Recycling Information. Call 503-234-3000, email or visit Metro’s website
More about:
About Using Pesticides on School Grounds in Oregon
If using pesticides on school grounds, there are special rules in Oregon. See School Integrated Pest Management (Oregon Department of Agriculture).
NEED HELP?
The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) can answer questions about pest control chemicals.
1-800-858-7378 or npic@ace.orst.edu
Consider using a licensed pest or weed control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon and other states can suggest other methods.
Prevent Dandelion
Ohio State Weed Lab, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org
Check for Dandelion Regrowing
- After you manage dandelion, return to the spot after several months to see if the plants are regrowing.
Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org
Check for Dandelion Seedlings & Regrowth
- When you disturb the soil in gardening or property management activities, weed seeds in the soil will be brought to the surface. Many weeds will likely sprout.
- Check on areas for new weeds several weeks after disturbing the soil.
OSU Turfgrass Management Program
Grow a Dense Lawn
- A healthy lawn shades weed seeds and keeps them from growing. Apply grass seed over existing lawns (overseed) where grass is sparse.
- Overseed every year or as needed to maintain thick grass. Water and nutrition are also important.
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Use Lawn Patch Products and Overseed
- Weed seeds sprout and take root in bare soil.
- Cover bare spots with lawn patch products. They combine seed, fertilizer, and mulch. Or sprinkle lawn seed.
Neil Bell, Oregon State University
Plant Densely In Landscapes
- Cover up bare soil in landscape areas with vegetation.
- The desired plants will shade the soil and keep weeds out.
Neil Bell, Oregon State University
Use Mulch In Landscapes
- Mulch helps to keep dandelion seeds from germinating. Cover the area between desired plants with wood chips or bark mulch.
- Mulch keeps weed seeds from landing on the soil and growing. Replenish the mulch layer as needed at a minimum of 3 inches deep.
Content provided by editor Weston Miller and writers Jessica Green and J. Jeremiah Mann. Pesticide safety information edited by Kaci Buhl.
Peer reviewed by OSU Department of Horticulture.
DANDELION REFERENCES
Dandelion Management Guidelines
University of California IPM
Dandelion
University of Wisconsin Madison