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Sunday, June 10, 2012

Just Remember that Cat's Ears are Fuzzy

 
First, a cheerful look at this dandelion lookalike.

cat's ear

If one pays attention at all, it's easy to tell this is not a dandelion. This is Hypochaeris radicata, or Common Cat's Ear. In the first place, it's taller than dandelions usually are (although they can grow tall).

cat's ear

If you want to compare stems only, dandelions have hollow stems and this plant (and all its cousins) have solid stems. Here's a way to tell this from other Hypochaeris; it has hairy leaves. And all of the dandelion leaves are smooth.

cat's ear

How about the flower? It doesn't look exactly like a dandelion either, if you look closely!

cat's ear

Really hot today. Supposed to rain tomorrow. That would be a good thing.

See Dandelion Syrup
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6 comments:

rainfield61 said...

Looking at these flowers in the 1st and 2nd picture really give us different perspectives.

rainfield61 said...

Looking at these flowers in the 1st and 2nd picture really give us different perspectives.

jeanlivingsimple said...

This plant grows here and I have always wondered what it was called.

Chuck said...

I'm also glad to know the name of these beauties. It may be "Cat's Ear," but I think they're dandy and I'm not lyin'. :)

Ann said...

well how about that. I've seen them but always thought they were a dandelion

Sharkbytes said...

rainfield- a lot like life, eh?

Jean- it's native to Europe and Asia

Chuck- glad you aren't teasing. hahahaha

Ann- well, there are some other choices that grow tall like this. Look for the lobed, hairy leaves.