388 



WEED FLORA OF IOWA 



Distribution. — The dandelion is cosmopolitan. It is quite as 

 common in Europe as in the United States, being common and 

 abundant at high elevations, as in the Rocky mountains. Found 

 everywhere in Iowa on lawns and pastures. 



Fig. 227. Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). 



lawns, pastures, etc. 

 (Photographed by Colburn.) 



A weed common in 



Extermination. — The dandelions are not difficult to exterminate 

 in cultivated fields but in garden crops it is more difficult to do 

 so, especially in strawberry beds. As the dandelions are perennial 

 herbs, seed formation should be prevented. Where they occur in 

 small patches a spud may be used successfully. Where they are 

 abundant in lawns it is only necessary to keep the lawn closely 

 cropped and dig them up with a small spud to prevent seeding. 

 Blue grass and clover, especially the latter, will crowd them out. 

 It is rare that dandelions give trouble after the middle of June. 



