Catsear (Hypochoeris radicata).
Catsear is also known as Flatweed or False Dandelion due to its close resemblance to Dandelions. We discuss how to remove Catsear from your lawn and turf by cultural and chemical means.
After you read this, you will be able to:
- Identify False Dandelion, Catsear Weed or Flatweed .
- Know the habitat of Catsear, Dandelion or Flatweed.
- Know the best cultural and chemical options to control this weed.
False Dandelion is a perennial edible weed. It is present in lawns, low cut turf and road verges.
It is toxic to horses and causes stringhalt.
Catsear is a good sign of well draining soil. More information on turf weeds is in our weed ID chart.
How to Identify Catsear.
False Dandelion is a low growing weed and has basal rosette of wavy edged leaves. Many raised stiff, and unbranched hairs cover these leaves.
Category: Broadleaf (Dicot).
Flower: It has bright yellow flowers that produce seeds that spread by wind.
Height: False Dandelion grows up to a height of 80 cm.
Leaf length: The leaves of false dandelion are 2-30 cm long.
Leaf width: The leaf width is 10-40 mm wide.
Reproduction: Catsear reproduces from seed.
Comments: Coarse hairs cover the leaves that have toothed edges.
Habitat: False Dandelion prefers bare, thin, wet areas and disturbed soil. It has some salt tolerance. Mow too low, and this favours this weed and stimulates flower growth.
How to Remove catsear weed.
You can use cultural and chemical means to remove Catsear Weed from your lawn and turf.
Cultural control.
Remove and destroy flower heads before they seed. If buds or flowers are present when you dig it up, this weed still sets seeds. Once you remove the crown, the plant cannot grow back. Do not compost buds or flowers.
Chemical control.
There are several weed killers that control Catsear Weed. But, you get the best results if you treat this in the Autumn when the plant is young.
Non selective options include Glyphosate (Rapid Fire 800). If you use this and water quality is an issue then we recommend the use of ProForce Manta Ray.
$180.00
Rapid Fire 800SG is a non-selective herbicide contains 800g/kg of the active ingredient glyphosate. It controls a wide range of perennial and annual weeds in a range of situations that
$160.00 – $745.00
Proforce Duke 100WG Herbicide is a selective turf herbicide and a Destiny herbicide alternative. It gives selective grass & broadleaf weed control and can be used on Buffalo Turf.
$155.00 – $685.00
Proforce Recondo 100WG Herbicide is a Monument herbicide alternative & controls broadleaf & grass weeds & suppresses Kikuyu. Do not use on Buffalo Turf.
$350.00
ProForce Weed Blast MA Herbicide is a post-emergent broadleaf herbicide, for use on a range of established turfgrass species that includes Couch, Qld Blue Couch, Kikuyu, Paspalum, Buffalo, Fescue, Bent
$105.00
Casper Turf Herbicide is a selective post-emergent herbicide. It controls broadleaf weeds in turf and contains the actives Dicamba and Prosulfuron. Do not use on Buffalo Turf.
$150.00
ProForce Warhead Herbicide is a premium selective herbicide and an equivalent to Turf Control, Spearhead and Javelin herbicides. It gives outstanding control of broadleaf weeds in turf.
$220.00
ProForce Contra M Herbicide is a broad-spectrum weedkiller giving quick kill of broadleaf weeds & it controls 38 weeds in turf. Do not use on Buffalo Turf.
$225.00
2,4-D Amine is a selective broadleaf herbicide for weed control in lawns and playing fields.