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Dandelion type flower ID?

madpenguinmadpenguin Isle of WightPosts: 2,145
in Wildlife gardening

Does anyone know the name of the plant (weed) that is currently flowering in lawns.It has a yellow dandelion type flower about ½" across on a wiry stem about 4-6" high.

Sorry no pics!

“Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings

Posts

  • Dave HedgehogDave Hedgehog Posts: 377

    Sounds like either False Dandelion - commonly know as Cat's ears (Hypochoeris radicata) or Smooth Hawksbeard (Crepis capillaris).

    The leaf shape will be a better indicator of which type it is.

    Both types grow stems very quickly that can reach about a foot in height and are an unsightly lawn menace.

  • madpenguinmadpenguin Isle of WightPosts: 2,145

    Thanks,I will have to try and get a closer look at the leaves.

    I actually want to introduce it to my lawn as part of my 'mini grazed meadow' project.

    Lots of it in other peoples lawns round here but none in mine!!!

    “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
  • nutcutletnutcutlet PeterboroughPosts: 26,160

    I have some nice ones in grass here. I think they're the ones known as Cat's Ear but not totally sure

  • punkdocpunkdoc Sheffield, Derbyshire border.Posts: 8,553

    Lovely when a lawn can serve a useful purpose, rather than being a bland monoculture.

    Did they tear it out with talons of steel
    And give you a shot, so that you wouldn't feel?
    And washed it away as if it wasn't real?
  • madpenguinmadpenguin Isle of WightPosts: 2,145

    I have been looking at a lot of lawns around here lately.

    A lot of people don't cut them often and these are the ones that always look the most interesting with a great variety of different plants.

    On the other hand the lawns that are cut and weeded regularly are dull and uninteresting.

    I still keep my lawn tidy and do the edges etc and I draw the line at dandelions and plantains but I am now cutting not so often and with blades higher.My lawn is the lushest it has looked in 15 years!

    “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
  • josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,461

    I've negotiated a compromise with the dandelions: I tolerate them in the grass but not in the borders or the block paving.

  • Papi JoPapi Jo Brittany, France Posts: 2,736
    punkdoc says:

    Lovely when a lawn can serve a useful purpose, rather than being a bland monoculture.

    See original post

     Although I keep  my  lawn free of dandelions & other unwanted "weeds" I wouldn't call it a monoculture as the original seeds were a mixture of half a dozen different grass species.image Plus my lawn does serve the useful  purposes of being restful and lovely to my eyes, setting off my colourful mixed borders, being soft to walk on, etc.

    Last edited: 26 July 2017 13:14:15

    You are invited to a virtual visit of my garden (in English or in French).
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