Hypochaeris radicata, commonly known as cat's ear, flatweed, or false dandelion, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe but now widespread in many parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Here's an overview:
🌿 General Description
🌼 Flowering & Reproduction
🌎 Habitat & Distribution
🌱 Ecological & Practical Notes
Here’s a side-by-side comparison between Hypochaeris radicata (cat's ear) and Taraxacum officinale (common dandelion):
Plant: Cat's Ear (Hypochaeris radicata)
Family: Asteraceae
Common Names: Cat’s ear, flatweed, false dandelion
Leaves: Hairy, lobed or toothed, often with bristles
Growth Form: Basal rosette, low-growing
Flower Stalks: Multiple branched stalks per plant
Flower: Yellow, similar to dandelion, smaller
Number of Flowers: Often multiple flowers per stalk
Root Type: Deep taproot
Seed Head: Puffy with parachute seeds (like dandelion)
Edibility: Edible leaves and roots
Toxicity to Livestock: May cause stringhalt in horses
Plant: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Family: Asteraceae
Common Names: Dandelion
Leaves: Smooth or slightly hairy, deeply lobed
Growth Form: Basal rosette, low-growing
Flower Stalks: Single unbranched stalk per flower
Flowers: Yellow, larger, unbranched flower
Number of Flowers: One flower per stalk
Root Type: Deep taproot
Seed Head: Puffy with parachute seeds
Edibility: Edible leaves, flowers, and roots
Toxicity to Livestock: Generally safe
🔍 Key Differences: