Hypochaeris radicata aka Cat's Ear
Taxonomy ID: 7232
Hypochaeris radicata, also known as catsear, flatweed, cat's-ear, hairy cat's ear, or false dandelion, is a low-lying, rosette-forming, deciduous perennial herb with oblong, shallowly lobed, mid-green leaves and branched, leafless stems bearing dandelion-like, bright yellow flower heads from summer to early autumn. This plant is native to Europe but has naturalized on every continent except Antarctica, and has been introduced to the Americas, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, where it can be an invasive weed. Cat's Ear tolerates a wide range of conditions and readily grows in most soil types, producing many seeds per plant per year, with each seed being able to become a mature plant in just two months. However, it is listed as a noxious weed in the northwestern U.S. state of Washington. Despite this, some may consider this plant to be edible.
Common names
Cat's Ear, Catsear, Flatweed, Hairy Cat's Ear, False DandelionMore information about Cat's Ear
How difficult is it to take care of Cat's Ear
Cat's Ear requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
What are the water needs for Cat's Ear
Cat's Ear should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the sunlight requirement for Cat's Ear
To ensure optimal growth, the Cat's Ear prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Is Cat's Ear toxic to humans/pets?
Cat's Ear is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
What's the dormancy for Cat's Ear
During the cold period, it is common for Cat's Ear to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
What is the growth pattern of Cat's Ear
The Cat's Ear is clumping in nature, with new growth originating from the soil in close proximity to the original plant.
More info:
Wikipedia