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weeds

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From: Mary Lou Banaszek
City:
downers Grove, IL
We have a weed that looks similar to a dandelion leaf, but has a red line thru the center. As it gets taller the red is more maroon color and extends down to the base. The roots are fine but they also have a white thicker root that grows horizontally and more plants are growing from that. As I dig them out I break off some pieces of the white athicker root and am afraid more plants will grow. What are my options? These are all over vegetable beds, flower beds, etc. and they seem to grow very close to the plant. ie: asparagus. HELP..... and thanks

 
Extension Message
From: James Schmidt
Extension Specialist, Home Horticulture/4-H
Department of Crop Sciences
schmidt1@illinois.edu
From your description, it sounds like it could be a species of dock, which can look similar to dandelion but the leaves would not be lobed as much. If it is in your flower beds and vegetable garden, the only way to eradicate it is by removing them by hand, digging out as much of the root as possible. The only chemical alternative is to use a type of non-selective herbicide containing glyphosate and carefully treating each individual plant since glyphosate will damage/kill any foliage it is applied to. If you want to send a photo, we can try to identify the weed more accurately.

 
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