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Smooth Cat's Ear
Also known as: Smooth Flatweed, Glabrous Cat's-Ear, Smooth cats ear
Smooth Cat's Ear (Hypochaeris glabra) is an annual flowering herb indigenous to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It’s a member of the dandelion family, and its flowers look very much like a regular dandelion. Like the dandelion, it bears seeds that are carried off by the wind.
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Annual
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
All year round
Bloom Time
10 cm to 50 cm
Plant Height
Yellow
Flower Color
Semi-evergreen
Leaf type
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Images of Smooth Cat's Ear

Distribution of Smooth Cat's Ear

Distribution Map
Smooth Cat's Ear is a plant with a native geographic range encompassing various regions in the Mediterranean basin and broader temperate zones of Europe and North Africa. It has been introduced to and naturalized in parts of South America, North America, Eastern Asia, Southern Africa, and Oceania, where it thrives in diverse environments.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Man-made or disturbed habitats, meadows, fields
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Weed Control

Smooth Cat's Ear, commonly known as Smooth Cat's Ear, is a native plant of the Mediterranean region but has now dispersed throughout the globe. It is classified as a weed due to its prolific reproduction capabilities and rapid spread, often outcompeting native flora for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients. The weed's vigor and tenacity even in harsh conditions further exacerbate its invasiveness, making it a significant nuisance in gardens where it crowds out desired plants. Smooth Cat's Ear's harmfulness is primarily due to its ability to dominate gardens, pastures, and agricultural land, negatively impacting biodiversity and causing potential yield losses in crops. The primary method of spread for smooth Cat's Ear is through wind-dispersed seeds. The weed produces a large number of seeds that can remain dormant and viable in the soil for many years, contributing to the plant's persistence and invasive character.
How to Control It
Removal of smooth Cat's Ear is best done in late spring or early summer. This is when the plant is in its flowering state but before it goes into seed. This timing maximizes the effectiveness of the removal process while reducing the weed's chances of re-infestation. Here are some organic or less conventional methods for weed control:
  1. Hand Pulling: Ensure you wear gloves to protect your hands. Grab the smooth Cat's Ear at the base near the soil and pull gently to uproot the entire plant. Collect the uprooted plants in bags for disposal.
  2. Vinegar Spray: Combine a liter of white vinegar with a tablespoon of dish soap and transfer this solution into a spray bottle. Spray directly onto the smooth Cat's Ear leaves on a dry, sunny day. This method is most effective when the plant is not in the flowering state.
  3. Solarization: Start by watering the area to help in conducting heat into the soil. Spread a clear plastic sheet over the area where smooth Cat's Ear is present and secure the edges with rocks or soil. The heat from the sun will kill the weed and its seeds in the soil over the course of a few weeks.
  4. Mulching: Cover the area with a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch. This blocks sunlight and prevents the growth of smooth Cat's Ear. For established plants, put down a mat of newspaper first before spreading the mulch.
  5. Planting Competing Plants: Introduce plants that can compete for resources with smooth Cat's Ear. Choose those that can quickly establish their roots and leave no room for smooth Cat's Ear to grow.
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Care Guide for Smooth Cat's Ear

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Smooth Cat's Ear thrives in arid conditions with minimal water, demonstrating high drought tolerance. Watering weekly suffices. Typically grown outdoors, it prefers full sun and may enter dormancy during dry spells to conserve water.
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