lily-white foggy weeds are ordinarily known as dandelions . These whimsical works , with their delicate blank fluff , are actually the mature stage of the yellow blowball blossom . The name “ dandelion ” derive from the French password “ dent - de - lion , ” which means “ lion ’s tooth , ” referring to the jaggy border of the plant ’s leaves .

Dandelions may seem harmless and even charming , but they can be quite invading and prejudicious to our lawns and gardens . They are classified as green goddess because they tend to outcompete and steal resources from other plants , particularly grass . Dandelions have a inscrutable taproot that allow them to access piddle late within the soil , which can deprive surrounding plant of much - call for moisture .

One of the grounds dandelions are so successful in spreading is due to their flossy seeds . Each blowball flush can make up to 400 seeds , which are attached to a feathery pappus . When the flower matures and dries out , the pappus acts as a chute , activate the seeds to be carry by the hint for considerable distances . In fact , dandelion seed can travel up to 5 mile from their original location , have it prosperous for them to colonize new areas .

I commemorate as a youngster , plucking dandelions from our lawn and blowing on them to make a indirect request . It was always a fun and whimsical bodily process , not realizing the potential consequences for our lawn . However , as I grew erstwhile and learned more about horticulture and landscaping , I begin to understand the impact of these seemingly unacquainted smoke .

The mien of dandelions in a well - wield lawn can be frustrating for many homeowners . Their bright yellow flowers and fluffy ejaculate heads can create a disheveled appearance , detract from the overall aesthetic of the landscape . Moreover , their power to spread rapidly can speedily move around a pristine lawn into a dandelion - infested region .

To control the spread of dandelions , various method acting can be employed . Here are some options :

1 . mitt pulling : For a small number of blowball , manually remove them by draw out the total source can be effective . It ’s authoritative to grasp the plant as closelipped to the foundation as possible and lightly pull while ensuring the intact root word is evoke to prevent regrowth .

2 . Mowing : Regularly mowing your lawn can avail keep blowball at Laurus nobilis . By cutting off the flowers before they have a chance to mature and produce seeded player , you could confine their spread . However , mow alone may not completely eradicate dandelions , as they can still propagate from their deep taproot .

3 . Herbicides : If the dandelion plague is grave and other methods have shew ineffective , herbicides can be used as a last resort . Selective herbicides specifically designed for broadleaf weeds , such as dandelions , can be implement to the lawn . It ’s important to carefully follow the instructions on the ware recording label and avoid using herbicide near desirable plant .

4 . ethnic practices : Maintaining a healthy lawn can also help forbid dandelion invasion . on a regular basis lacrimation , fertilizing , and aerating your lawn can promote potent grass ontogenesis , fix it more difficult for dandelions to take clutches . Additionally , overseeding bare patches can help satiate in gaps where dandelion might establish themselves .

While dandelions may have their drawbacks , it ’s deserving observe that they also have some positive aspects . The blowball plant is comestible , and its leave-taking can be used in salads or cooked as Green River . The shining jaundiced flowers can be used to make dandelion wine or instill into oils for various culinary determination . Furthermore , dandelions swear out as an important food source for bee and other pollinator , providing nectar and pollen early in the spring when other flowers may be scarce .

White hazy weeds are normally known as dandelions . Despite their charming appearance , dandelion can be incursive and prejudicial to our lawns and garden . Their downlike seeds let them to spread easily , and their deep taproots enable them to slip water from wall plant . However , there are various method acting available to control blowball infestations , wander from hand pulling to weed killer app . Maintaining a salubrious lawn through proper cultural practice can also help prevent blowball intrusion . So , the next metre you blob a dandelion , you ’ll have a better agreement of its behavior and possible impact .

Caroline Bates