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Common Cat's-ear

Hypochaeris radicata

Common Cat's-ear is a cheerful yellow flower that looks a bit like a dandelion. It grows in many places and is loved by bees and butterflies for its sweet nectar.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Common Cat's-ear has bright yellow, dandelion-like flowers on long, slender, often branched stems. Its hairy, lobed leaves form a flat rosette close to the ground, appearing similar to a cat's ear. This plant stands out with its rougher, bristly leaves compared to true dandelions.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusHypochaeris

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

5

Interesting facts

Each stem can have many bright yellow flowers, making it look like a tiny floral fireworks display!

Look closely: its hollow stems can leak a milky white sap if you accidentally snap them!

Many animals, even hungry snails, enjoy munching on its slightly bitter but nutritious leaves!

The flowers only open on sunny days, staying tucked away when it's cloudy or rainy!

Special abilities

Ability

Deep Drinker

Common Cat's-ear has a tough, deep taproot that helps it find water even when the soil is very dry.

Ability

Bristly Protector

Common Cat's-ear has tiny hairs on its leaves, which can make them less appealing to some hungry nibbling animals.

Ability

Windy Traveler

Common Cat's-ear can send its fluffy seeds far on the wind, like tiny parachutes exploring new places.

Measurements & details

Height
10-60 cm
Spread
10-30 cm
Flower Size
2-3.5 cm
Bloom Season
Spring through Autumn
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Honey bees gather nectar from its blooms.

Pollinates

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

Bumblebees help spread its pollen.

Eaten by

Garden Snail

Helix aspersa

Snails sometimes feed on its leaves.

Traits

Also known as

Cat's-earHawkbit

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

It's safe to look at these flowers, but don't eat them without asking an adult.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Common Cat's-ear?

Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How tall is Common Cat's-ear?

10-60 cm

How wide does Common Cat's-ear spread?

10-30 cm

How big are the flowers on Common Cat's-ear?

2-3.5 cm

When does Common Cat's-ear bloom?

Spring through Autumn

Is Common Cat's-ear edible?

Yes

Is Common Cat's-ear toxic?

None

What is Common Cat's-ear's lifecycle?

Perennial

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

Where to spot

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Franklin Street-College Avenue Residential Historic District place preview
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Lake Washington Boulevard place preview
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Washington, US

Lake Washington Boulevard

Biking, Walking, Running, Scenic Views, Nature, Wildlife Viewing, Family Friendly, Wheelchair Accessible, Olmsted Parks, Lakefront, Cycling.

You might spot Prostrate Knotweed, Common Dandelion, and Duck.

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