Cape dandelion is a plant native to the southern tip of the African continent. It has spread well beyond its natural range and is now found across various regions in the Mediterranean, northwestern Europe, parts of South America, and New Zealand. Additionally, cape dandelion has been cultivated in locations outside its native and introduced ranges.

Cape dandelion has mild toxicity to humans, cats, and dogs. All parts of cape dandelion are toxic. Ingesting cape dandelion can cause gastrointestinal distress, oral irritation in humans; physical discomfort in cats; and gastrointestinal upset in dogs. Immediate veterinary care is crucial for pets, and preventing access to the plant is essential for safety.

Cape dandelion, also known as Cape dandelion, originates from the South Africa region. It has adapted remarkably well to different climates, which is one of the reasons for its widespread distribution and invasive nature. Cape dandelion earns its weed status due to its fast and vigorous growth, persistence, and the ability to reproduce both sexually via seeds and vegetatively, allowing the plant to spread quickly. It can easily outcompete native flora, disrupt ecosystems, and negatively impact gardens by absorbing nutrients, sunlight, and water that other plants need to thrive. If you decide to grow cape dandelion in your garden, be aware of its rapid spread, which can quickly take over other plants. It's essential to manage its growth to prevent it from becoming a garden thug. Cape dandelion primarily propagates by releasing fluffy, wind-borne seeds, much like a typical dandelion. This type of seed dispersal enables the plant to colonize new areas swiftly, contributing further to its weed status.

The best season to control cape dandelion is generally late spring to early summer, before it sets seeds and spreads. To prevent cape dandelion from becoming a weed or to manage its growth in a garden, consider the following methods: