Cat's Ear
Hypochoeris radicata
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Hypochoeris radicata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies lepidoptera. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Meadws and dry pastures, grassy dunes, waysides and open woods.
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa and western Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves - raw or cooked like spinach. A winter salad, it is rather bitter. Young leaves are mild and agreeable.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Pectoral.
Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a well-drained soil and a sunny position or light shade. Another report says that it dislikes shade. A common lawn weed.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed it can be sown outdoors in situ in the spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Lawn; Meadow;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist