Hypochoeris glabra
L.
Smooth Cat's Ear
gbif· cc-by-nc
GBIF
gbif· cc-by-nc
GBIF
gbif· cc-by-nc
GBIF
Description
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.
Edible Uses
Young leaves - raw or cooked. Somewhat bitter, they are used as an emergency food.
Medicinal Uses
Aperient Astringent Diuretic Tonic Vulnerary. The root is aperient, diuretic and tonic. The leaves are astringent. The whole plant is vulnerary.
Distribution
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa, Syria and W. Asia.
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
Cultivation
Requires a light to medium well-drained soil in a sunny position.
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 enough seed it can be sown outdoors in situ in the spring.
