[NatureNS] Dandelion scape length

From: David & Alison Webster <dwebster@glinx.com>
To: NatureNS@chebucto.ns.ca
Date: Mon, 25 May 2015 19:11:04 -0300
Precedence: bulk
Return-Path: <naturens-mml-owner@chebucto.ns.ca>
Original-Recipient: rfc822;"| (cd /csuite/info/Environment/FNSN/MList; /csuite/lib/arch2html)"

next message in archive
next message in thread
previous message in archive
Index of Subjects


Dear All,                            May 25, 2015
    I noticed some years ago that Dandelion scapes, at anthesis, are shorter 
in fall and tentatively attributed this to an effect of cold.
    This year I realized that it is not an exclusive response to cooler 
temperatures.
    Scape length of plants along a path exposed to foot traffic when the 
soil was still wet and subject to compaction is very short (2-3 cm) 
suggesting a reaction to poor aeration. Scape length in adjacent areas with 
no or moderate foot traffic is normal (19-22 cm) and very long (35-40 cm) on 
a pile of loose earth with scant competition and no traffic. But in a small 
area of light soil (good aeration and very poor water and nutrient holding 
capacity) length is somewhat short (8-10 cm).
    So scape length may be a reflection of growth condition adequacy. And 
Dandelions are thus desirable in lawns as indicaters of marginal conditions 
such as compaction or excessively light soil (chinch bug prone) in addition 
to serving as food plants for many insects.
Yt, Dave Webster, Kentville
 

next message in archive
next message in thread
previous message in archive
Index of Subjects