Cat's Ear is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in grassland, meadow and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 45cm.
Cat's-Ear takes its name from the fine white hairs that cover its leaves. Apart from this characteristic, the plant has a broadly similar appearance to the Common Dandelion (but with more shallowly-lobed leaves and narrower stems) and is sometimes called the False Dandelion.
Botanic classification and naming: Cat's Ear is a member of the Daisy (Asteraceae) family. The genus name
'Hypochaeris' identifies the plant as a Cat's-Ear and its species name 'radicata' means 'rooted plant'.
Concerns: Cat's-Ear leaves, especially when the plant is stressed, can be toxic to horses. The nerve toxins produced cause a condition known as 'Stringhalt', where the hind legs involuntary contract.
Benefits: Pollinated by hoverflies.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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