Common Cat's-ear
Hypochaeris radicata
Also known as Catsear, Hairy Cat's-ear, Rough Cat's Ear
Climate Match for your location
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Common Cat's-ear is a drought-tolerant perennial with dandelion-like yellow flowers and a rosette of hairy leaves. It spreads readily and is often considered invasive in pastures and disturbed areas.
Why grow it
Common Cat's-ear offers reliable drought tolerance and persistent flowering through summer compared to many perennial wildflowers that demand consistent moisture. Its deep taproot makes it useful for breaking compacted soil and accessing water reserves in dry sites where shallow-rooted species struggle. The plant requires minimal fertility and no supplemental inputs once established, making it practical for low-input landscape niches where similar composites like dandelion prove invasive but Cat's-ear may be tolerated.
Watch out for
Seedling establishment can be slow in competition with vigorous groundcovers, so site preparation and initial weed suppression improve success rates. While drought-hardy, young plants benefit from consistent moisture during their first growing season to develop the deep root system that confers later resilience.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Common Cat's-ear is a drought-tolerant perennial with dandelion-like yellow flowers and a rosette of hairy leaves. It spreads readily and is often considered invasive in pastures and disturbed areas.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Common Cat's-ear grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Common Cat's-ear offers reliable drought tolerance and persistent flowering through summer compared to many perennial wildflowers that demand consistent moisture. Its deep taproot makes it useful for breaking compacted soil and accessing water reserves in dry sites where shallow-rooted species struggle. The plant requires minimal fertility and no supplemental inputs once established, making it practical for low-input landscape niches where similar composites like dandelion prove invasive but Cat's-ear may be tolerated.
Watch out for
Seedling establishment can be slow in competition with vigorous groundcovers, so site preparation and initial weed suppression improve success rates. While drought-hardy, young plants benefit from consistent moisture during their first growing season to develop the deep root system that confers later resilience.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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