Hypochoeris radicata
L.
Cat's Ear
gbif· cc-by-nc
Toomas Kukk
gbif· cc-by-sa
TAA - Estonian University of Life Sciences; Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Vascular Plant Herbarium
gbif· cc-by-sa
TAA - Estonian University of Life Sciences; Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Vascular Plant Herbarium
Description
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.
Edible Uses
Young leaves - raw or cooked like spinach. A winter salad, it is rather bitter. Young leaves are mild and agreeable.
Medicinal Uses
Pectoral. Pectoral.
Distribution
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa and western Asia.
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
Cultivation
Requires a well-drained soil and a sunny position or light shade. Another report says that it dislikes shade. A common lawn weed.
Propagation
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.
