#2409 - Hypochaeris radicata - Cat's-Ears
Another FYC. Sometimes spelled Hypochoeris radicata – flatweed, or false dandelion. Its name is derived from Greek ὑπό 'under' and χοῖρος 'young pig'. Thus the name "should" be spelled Hypochoeris. The adjective radicata means 'with conspicuous roots' in Latin.
A perennial, low-lying edible herb native to Europe, but an invasive weed in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and the Americas. A noxious weed in Washington state.
Commonly mistaken for true dandelions, as both plants have similar flowers and windborne seeds. However, catsear stems are forked and solid, whereas dandelions are unforked and hollow. The leaves of dandelions are jagged in outline, but those of catsear are more lobe-shaped and hairy. The leaves may grow up to 20 cm long, forming a low-lying rosette around a central taproot. All parts of the plant exude a milky sap when cut.
All parts of the plant are edible. The younger leaves are bland in taste but can be eaten raw in salads, steamed, or used in stir-fries. In Crete the leaves of a variety called παχιές (pachiés) or αγριοράδικα (agriorádika) are eaten boiled or steamed. The root can be roasted and ground to form a coffee substitute.
However, the plant suspected of causing stringhalt, a spasm of the lateral extensor tendons of the hind legs in horses, if eaten in excess.
Mangorei, Taranaki Ringplain, New Zealand
