Hypochoeris glabra
L.
Smooth Cat's Ear
GBIF
GBIF
GBIF
What to Eat
Edible parts: Leaves
Young leaves - raw or cooked. Somewhat bitter, they are used as an emergency food.
Where to Find It
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa, Syria and W. Asia.
Coming Soon
How to Identify
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.
How to Grow
Requires a light to medium well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have enough seed it can be sown outdoors in situ in the spring.
Medicinal Uses
Aperient Astringent Diuretic Tonic Vulnerary. The root is aperient, diuretic and tonic. The leaves are astringent. The whole plant is vulnerary.
