Key Facts
- Perennial herb with a basal rosette of leaves
- Yellow dandelion-like flower heads borne singly on leafless stems
- Reproduces readily by seed and can spread persistently in lawns and disturbed ground
- Tolerant of a wide range of soil types including compacted and poor soils
- Grows in full sun to part shade and flowers best in sunnier spots
- Often treated as a lawn weed in temperate regions
- Leaves are reported as edible by foragers but verify before consumption
- Forms low clumps rather than a tall upright habit
Flatweed is a low perennial with yellow dandelion-like flowers and a basal rosette. It adds small, bright blooms to lawns and naturalized patches but reproduces readily by seed and can form persistent patches.
Identification
Leaves form a basal rosette and flower heads look similar to small dandelions. Single yellow flower heads sit on leafless stems above the rosette. Mature plants typically reach about 4 to 12 inches tall and form clumps that spread roughly 6 to 18 inches across.
Where to grow and best uses
Grows in full sun to part shade and flowers most prolifically in sunnier spots. It tolerates a wide range of soils including compacted, dry and poor soils, so it commonly appears in lawns, paths and disturbed ground. Use it only in naturalized or meadow-style plantings where its spreading habit is acceptable.
Season and flowering
Flowers from spring into summer, with timing varying by climate. Seed production after flowering is the main way populations expand.
Planting and spacing
If planting intentionally space specimens or transplants roughly the size of their mature spread, about 6 to 18 inches apart for a loose ground cover. Seedlings establish where soil is thin or turf is weak and can fill gaps quickly under favorable conditions.
Watering and soil
Prefers well-drained sites but persists in compacted and poorer soils. It will survive dry conditions that stress many lawn species, so extra watering is rarely needed and does not reduce its tendency to spread.
After-flowering care and control
Remove flower heads or mow before seeds ripen to limit spreading. Hand-pull or dig patches, taking care to remove crowns and root fragments to reduce regrowth. In turf, improving grass density and overseeding bare areas reduces places where flatweed can establish.
Propagation and spread
Reproduces mainly by seed and can persist from crowns or rootstock in place. Seed prevention and removing flowering stems are the most effective cultural controls for limiting spread.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Flatweed grow?
- It reaches about 4 to 12 inches tall in a season and forms clumps that spread 6 to 18 inches over time. Speed varies with site conditions and seed availability.
- Is Flatweed invasive?
- It spreads readily by seed and can form persistent patches in lawns and disturbed ground. In many temperate areas it is treated as a lawn weed rather than a desirable garden plant.
- Will Flatweed harm my lawn?
- It can reduce lawn uniformity by filling gaps and surviving in compacted or poor soils. Improving turf health and removing seed heads reduces its impact.
- When does Flatweed flower?
- Flowering occurs from spring into summer, with local variation depending on climate.
- How do I stop Flatweed from spreading?
- Prevent seed set by mowing or removing flower heads, pull or dig out crowns and root fragments, and repair bare soil so healthy turf or groundcover fills gaps.
- Are Flatweed leaves edible?
- Some foraging guides list the leaves as edible but sources vary. Confirm safety with an authoritative local source before eating any wild plant.
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