Water
Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter to prevent root rot. Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions.
Also known as Cat's-Ear · False Dandelion · Flatweed
Smooth Cat's Ear (Hypochaeris glabra) is an annual or biennial herb with bright yellow, dandelion-like flower heads and smooth, hairless leaves.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
50% intensity
Hardy
50% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, suitable for USDA zones 4-9. Protect from extreme heat.
Low Maintenance
25% intensity
Generally does not require regular fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter to prevent root rot. Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming and prevent self-seeding if desired. Remove any yellowing or dead foliage at the base of the plant. Minimal pruning is usually required.
Easily propagated by seed sown in spring or autumn. Can also be divided in spring, though less common. Seeds germinate readily in well-drained soil under light conditions.
As a perennial, repotting is generally not necessary unless it becomes overcrowded or outgrows its container. If growing in a pot, repot in spring every 2-3 years into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining soil.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Smooth Cat's Ear (Hypochaeris glabra)
Where Smooth Cat's Ear (Hypochaeris glabra) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Hypochaeris |
| Species | Hypochaeris glabra |
Similar in genus Hypochaeris
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data