Bristly-ox Tongue

Picris echioides

General Information: Bristly ox-tongue is a dandelion type weed which is both annual and biennial.

It is not often found  in well maintained lawns, it is more confined to general purpose and neglected lawns.

The weed forms as a basal plant and will adapt to tolerate close mowing if needed.

However it can reach a height of 1 metre if left alone and allowed to grow.

Leaf: Bristly ox-tongue has long narrow oblong shaped leaves.

Each leaf has many whitish swollen pimples which are rough and bristly, which can cause some irritation and discomfort when handled.

The weed takes it name from the characteristics of the leaves.

Flowers: Bristly ox-tongue flowers are can be seen from June to September, as it produces clusters of yellow Dandelion type  flowers.

Each flower is capable of reaching up to 25mm in diameter.

Habitat: Bristly ox-tongue will grow on a wide range of soil types. However it is usually confined to bare ground and neglected areas of turf.

Control: Hand weed any individual plants. For a large infestation a selective herbicide will have to be used.

Use a selective weed killer containing a mixture of 2,4-D, Dicamba and Mecoprop-p, repeat again 6 weeks later if necessary.