Forest Dandelion Plant Care

Forest Dandelion (Microseris sylvatica) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Microseris genus. Forest Dandelion is native to California. Forest Dandelion is also known as Wild Dandelion, Calais sylvatica, Lactuca sylvatica.

Forest Dandelion displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Forest Dandelion produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Forest Dandelion every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Forest Dandelion thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Microseris sylvatica tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Forest Dandelion prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Forest Dandelion to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Forest Dandelion every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Forest Dandelion is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Forest Dandelion can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Forest Dandelion while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Forest Dandelion is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Forest Dandelion can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to jahresbericht der pollichia plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Forest Dandelion is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Forest Dandelion grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Forest Dandelion is native to California. In cooler regions, grow Forest Dandelion as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.