Contents
Description
Hypochaeris Maculata, commonly known as spotted cat’s ear, is a flowering plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and Western Asia, but it has been introduced and naturalized in many other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand.The plant grows up to 60 cm tall and has a basal rosette of leaves that are oblong and hairy. The stem is erect and branched, with a few small leaves near the base. The flowers are yellow and daisy-like, with a diameter of about 2 cm. They bloom from May to September.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Hypochaeris |
Appearance
Spotted cat’s ear has a distinctive appearance due to its basal rosette of hairy leaves and yellow daisy-like flowers. The leaves are oblong in shape and grow up to 20 cm long and 8 cm wide. They are covered in soft, white hairs that give them a fuzzy texture. The stem is erect and branched, with a few small leaves near the base. The flowers bloom from May to September and are about 2 cm in diameter. They have bright yellow petals and a central disk that is also yellow.
Care Guide
To care for Hypochaeris Maculata, you should provide it with well-draining soil, regular watering, and full sun exposure. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.Water: The plant should be watered regularly, but be careful not to overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.Fertilization: The plant does not require regular fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring if desired.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant requires full sun exposure to thrive.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Spotted cat’s ear is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Additionally, it can be attractive to aphids and spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Hypochaeris Maculata is native to Europe and Western Asia, but it has been introduced and naturalized in many other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand. It can often be found in fields, meadows, and open woodlands.
Questions and Answers
Q: Is Hypochaeris Maculata poisonous?
A: No, the plant is not known to be poisonous to humans or animals.
Q: Can Hypochaeris Maculata be grown indoors?
A: It is not recommended to grow the plant indoors, as it requires full sun exposure to thrive.
Q: How often should Hypochaeris Maculata be fertilized?
A: The plant does not require regular fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring if desired.
Q: How can I control aphids on my Hypochaeris Maculata?
A: Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Hypochaeris Maculata:
- Hypochaeris radicata
- Hypochaeris glabra
- Hypochaeris uniflora
References
- “Hypochaeris Maculata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d990.
- “Spotted Cat’s Ear.” Plant Identification. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://identify.plantnet.org/species/UROSP.
- “Hypochaeris Maculata.” Plant Finder. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/hypochaeris-maculata.
