Cat's Ear (Hypochoeris radicata)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Hypochoeris radicata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies lepidoptera. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

mild and agreeable. — Young leaves - raw or cooked like spinach.; A winter salad, it is rather bitter.; Young leaves are mild and agreeable.

Habitat & North American Range

Meadws and dry pastures, grassy dunes, waysides and open woods. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)