Cat's ear
Hypochaeris radicata
Asteraceae
Both edible and medicinal uses are reported.
Cat's ear is a common weed of parks, gardens, footpaths, lawns, roadsides, disturbed sites, waste areas, cultivation and natural habitats. Cat's ear is a perennial herb, ranging in height from 15 to 80cm high. Similar to other plants commonly called dandelion, it forms a basal rosette. Leaves are toothed or lobed and covered with stiff hairs. Yellow daisy like flowers appear on branched stalks. Flowering begins in response to long days null, with many insects reported to visit flowers - it is a source of both pollen and nectar. A single flower can produce many seeds, which are mainly dispersed by wind. Root systems can be substantial and are capable of re-sprouting following fire. Roots are also known to form associations with mycorrhizal fungi.
Cat's ear is eaten by a broad range of herbivores, although toxicity has been reported in horses (Australia & New Zealand). In addition to attracting a range of insects and bees (nectar and pollen), numerous associations have been reported. In one study undertaken in the Sheffield area, England UK, almost 200 associations were reported. Butterflies of various types are also attracted to the flowers. Listed associations (Discover Life) include Puccinia hieracii & Puccinia hypochoeridis (rust), Protomyces pachydermus (Dandelion edema disease), Pleospora media (Pleospora species can cause fruit rot), Phoma albicans (leaf spot), Erysiphe cichoracearum & Erysiphe lamprocarpa (powdery mildew), Ramularia hypochoeridis (leaf spot), aphids (Macrosiphum sp., Uroleucon (Large cat's ear aphid) & Myzus sp.). Another aphid reported on Cat's ear is Aphis hypochoeridis (Cat's-ear root aphid).