Smooth Cat's Ear (Hypochoeris glabra)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

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 Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - raw or cooked. Somewhat bitter, they are used as an emergency food. — Young leaves - raw or cooked.; Somewhat bitter, they are used as an emergency food.

Habitat & North American Range

Grassy fields, derelict arable land, heaths, fixed dunes etc on sandy soils. This is a typical plant of non-calcareous sand plant communities. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)