Hypochaeris radicata – Cat’s Ear, False Dandelion
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Explore Hypochaeris radicata (Cat’s Ear) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Hypochaeris radicata | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Cat’s Ear, False Dandelion
Family: Asteraceae
Appearance: A low-growing herbaceous perennial forming a basal rosette of hairy, lobed leaves with leafless branching flower stalks bearing yellow dandelion-like flowers. Produces abundant wind-dispersed seeds.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: N/A
Layer: Groundcover
Root System: Deep taproot with fibrous lateral roots
Height: 0.1–0.6 m
Width: 0.2–0.4 m
Lifespan: Long-lived
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Bees and other insects
Toxicity: Generally considered non-toxic, though excessive consumption by horses has been associated with neurological disorders
Hypochaeris radicata | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Europe, western Asia, and North Africa
Companionship: Integrates well into meadows, lawns, and disturbed soils; competes effectively with low-growing vegetation
Invasive Range: Naturalized worldwide and considered invasive in some grassland systems
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4–9
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: Moderate tolerance
Shade: Moderate tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: High tolerance
Maritime: High tolerance
Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance
Fire: Moderate tolerance – regenerates from taproot after disturbance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture: Low to moderate; prefers well-drained soils
Soil Type: Adaptable; sandy, loamy, or disturbed soils
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Propagation
Seeds: Primary method; prolific self-seeder
Division: Possible but uncommon
Cuttings: Not applicable
Hypochaeris radicata | Functional Uses and Benefits
Permalogica cannot take any responsibility for any adverse reactions or health effects from using plants. Always consult a professional before using plants for medicinal purposes.
Edible: Young leaves, roots, and flowers edible; often used similarly to dandelion greens
Medicinal: Traditionally used in folk medicine for digestive and liver support
Cosmetics: No documented use
Animal Feed: Grazed by livestock in moderation
Fiber: No
Timber: Not applicable
Firewood: Not applicable
Wind Break: No
Fence: No
Cover Crop: No
Mulch: Yes – biomass can be used as light mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: May help cycle minerals from deeper soil layers due to taproot
Pollinator Attractor: Yes – flowers attract bees and insects
Pest Repellent: No
Wildlife Supporter: Provides nectar and pollen for pollinators
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