Cat’s-Ear Weed

Cat’s-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) is an invasive perennial weed that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe but has spread to many parts of the world, including North America, where it is often considered a nuisance in lawns, gardens, and pastures. The plant typically grows in rosettes, with leaves forming a basal cluster close to the ground. Its flowers resemble those of dandelions, featuring bright yellow petals atop long, slender stems.

The name “Cat’s-ear” is thought to have originated from the shape and texture of the plant’s leaves, which are fuzzy and somewhat resemble a cat’s ear. The genus name “Hypochaeris” is derived from the Greek words “hypo,” meaning “under,” and “chaer,” meaning “head,” referring to the flower head’s position below the stem.

The species name “radicata” comes from the Latin word “radix,” meaning “root,” highlighting the plant’s strong taproot system. Cat’s-ear is often confused with dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) due to their similar appearance, with both plants having yellow flowers and toothed leaves.

However, there are some notable differences between them. While dandelion leaves are hairless and contain a milky sap, Cat’s-ear leaves are hairy and lack this sap. Additionally, Cat’s-ear flowers typically have multiple stems arising from a single rosette, whereas dandelions usually produce a single flower stem per rosette. The plants carry similar flowers which form windborne seeds. Culinary uses of Cat’s-ear are limited compared to dandelions.

While dandelion leaves are commonly used in salads or cooked as greens, Cat’s-ear is not widely consumed. The hairy texture of Cat’s-ear leaves may deter some people from eating them, and there is little cultural tradition or culinary interest in using this plant as food. In terms of toxicity, Cat’s-ear is generally not considered highly toxic to humans or animals. However, like many plants in the Asteraceae family,

it may cause mild skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals upon contact. In Crete, Greece, the leaves of a variety called παχιές (pachiés) or αγριοράδικα (agriorádika) are eaten boiled or steamed. This species is suspected of causing stringhalt^[1] in horses if consumed in excess.

Additionally, because Cat’s-ear can be mistaken for dandelions, which are edible, there is a risk of accidental ingestion of Cat’s-ear leaves. While not typically harmful in small quantities, consuming large amounts of any plant material that one is not familiar with can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.