Cat's-ear
Hypochaeris radicata
Hypochaeris radicata is a perennial herbaceous plant reaching heights of 15 to 60 centimeters. It forms a distinct basal rosette of leaves that are bristly-hairy and lobed. The leafless stems, which are covered with scale-like bracts, are usually branched and bear several yellow flower heads similar to those of dandelions.
Details
Habitat function
Pioneer plant on sandy open spaces and an important component of nutrient-poor grasslands.
Nutrient uptake
Efficient uptake of nutrients from deeper soil layers through a taproot.
Food source for
Wild bees (e.g., mining bees), hoverflies, butterflies.
Human use
Young leaves are edible (salad), roasted roots were formerly used as a coffee substitute.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important source of nectar and pollen for specialized wild bees and hoverflies in nutrient-poor meadows.
Natural predators
Herbivorous insects, snails, grazing animals (though it can be toxic to horses in large quantities).
Competitor species
Other Asteraceae such as dandelions (Taraxacum) or hawk's-beard (Crepis).
Ecosystem service
Pollinator support, soil stabilization through deep taproot.
Threats
Agricultural intensification, excessive fertilization (eutrophication) of meadows.
Scientific profile
Profile
Reproduction
Primarily generative via seeds; vegetative reproduction via root sprouts is possible but plays a minor role.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Agricultural intensification (fertilization), plowing of grasslands, scrub encroachment due to abandonment (succession), and atmospheric nitrogen deposition.