Smooth Cat's Ear
Hypochoeris glabra
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Hypochoeris glabra is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Grassy fields, derelict arable land, heaths, fixed dunes etc on sandy soils. This is a typical plant of non-calcareous sand plant communities.
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa, Syria and W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves - raw or cooked. Somewhat bitter, they are used as an emergency food.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The root is aperient, diuretic and tonic. The leaves are astringent. The whole plant is vulnerary.
Aperient: A mild laxative.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a light to medium well-drained soil in a sunny position.
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 enough seed it can be sown outdoors in situ in the spring.
Best place to grow: Meadow; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual/Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist