Hypochaeris radicata

Hypochaeris radicata is toxic to horses. The reported severity is mild. Also known as Common Cat's-Ear.

horses

Mild Moderate Severe Critical

If your animal ate this plant, call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661. Fees may apply.

Symptoms to watch for

Recumbency Incoordination

The color of each symptom follows the severity scale above.

About

Hypochaeris radicata, phonetically hy-poh-KAIR-iss rad-ee-KAY-tuh, is sometimes spelled Hypochoeris radicata and known as catsear, flatweed, cat's-ear, hairy cat's ear, or false dandelion. It is a perennial, low-lying edible herb often found in lawns. H. radicata has been used for both food and medinicinal purposes.

How this plant poisons

This species is associated with stringhalt in horses and donkeys if consumed in excess, the exact etiology unknown; otherwise non-poisonous and no contact dermatitis association.

Common Names

  • Common Cat's-Ear

Also recorded as Cat's Ear, Common Cat's Ear, Dandelion, Deep-rooted Catsear, False Dandelion and Flat Weed.

Facts

Family
Asteraceae
Duration
Perennial
Growth habit
Forb/herb
Native to
Spain, Algeria, Albania, Tunisia, Sicily, Morocco, Sardegna, Italy
In the wild
GB, FR, NL, AU, DK, BE + more
Source
Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Elsewhere

Countries with the most wild observations, from GBIF data.