Hypochaeris radicata

Other Names: Flatweed, Hypochoeris sp.

Introduced From: Europe and Asia

Family: Asteraceae

Habitat: Lawns, roadsides, wastland, pasture and cultivated land

Uses: Leaves edible raw, roots can be roasted

Season: All year

References: Low (Weeds), Richardson and Shepherd

About Catsears

A common weed of developed land. Leaves grow from a basal rosette. Closely resembles Taraxacum sp. (Dandelions), Crepis and Leontodon taraxacoides. Its leaves are hairy (and look, and feel a bit like cat's ears) and not so sharply toothed around the edges as dandelion, but more rounded.

Flowers are yellow and the tiny light seeds form into the familiar rounded shape that is seen in unmowed lawns everywhere. It is often much more common than true dandelion. In many gardens I have seen there are something like 100 catesars for every dandelion.

Photo: Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains NSW.

Photo: Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains NSW.

Photo: Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains NSW.

See Also

Australian Mammals
Australian Birds
Australian Reptiles
Australian Frogs
Australian Fish
Australian Spiders and Their Faces

Return to Plant Foods