FALSE DANDELION

False dandelion is a summer perennial that can grow up to two feet tall on branching stems, although they will not reach this height in mowed turf areas. The flowers of false dandelion are yellow, resembling a typical dandelion. False dandelion reproduces from seeds which have the same appearance as common dandelion.

It is particularly aggressive in disturbed habitats, although it even invades relatively undisturbed forests. Other habitats invaded include grasslands, remnant grassy woodlands, open woodlands and wetland margins. It can become dominant where there is regular soil disturbance and, because it produces rosettes, individual plants can cover a relatively large area of soil. This allows this species to suppress native grasses and herbs quite effectively.

This species is widely naturalised and common in large parts of southern and eastern Australia. It is widespread and common in south-eastern Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria and south-eastern South Australia. Less common or occasionally naturalised in the coastal districts of central and northern Queensland, in Tasmania, in south-western Western Australia, and in the southern parts of the Northern Territory.

Spray FireHawk Bioherbicide Concentrate: 50 mL/L of water. Respray when regrowth occurs from roots and/or runners. May require repeated application to obtain long-term weed control.