Hypochaeris radicata

Hypochaeris radicata_common catsear_flower_JM DiTomaso
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Common names: rough cat's-ear; false dandelion

Hypochaeris radicata (rough cat’s-ear, hairy dandelion) is an annual herb/forb (family Asteraceae) and a weed of lawns, pastures, and waste areas. The seeds are wind blown and can rapidly invade disturbed areas.

Cal-IPC Rating: Moderate?

CDFA Rating: None?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Hypochaeris radicata Information

  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Hypochaeris radicata_achenes_copyright 2007_NealKramer
    Hypochaeris radicata (rough cat's ear) achenes. Photo: © 2007 Neal Kramer
    Hypochaeris radicata_flower heads_copyright 2019_NealKramer
    Hypochaeris radicata (rough cat's ear) flower heads. Photo: © 2019 Neal Kramer