Hypochaeris radicata aka Cat's Ear
Taxonomy
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 DandelionHow to care for Cat's Ear
Difficulty
Cat's Ear requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Cat's Ear should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Lighting
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.
Dormancy
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.
Toxicity
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.
Growth-pattern
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
