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 Catsear sketch
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| Hypochaeris radicata L. |
Catsear (Hypochaeris radicata), also known as cat's ear or false dandelion, is a perennial, low-lying edible herb often found in lawns. Carl Linnaeus (Latinized as Carolus Linnaeus, also known after his ennoblement as, May 23 new style (13 May old style 1707 who laid the foundations for A perennial plant or perennial ( Latin per, "through" annus, "year" is a Plant that lives for more than A(n herb (ˈhɝb or /ˈɝb/ see pronunciation differences) is a plant that is valued for qualities such as medicinal properties flavor scent or the like A lawn is an area of recreational or amenity land planted with grass, and sometimes Clover and other plants which are maintained at a low even height The plant is native to Europe, but has also been introduced to the Americas, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. The Americas are the lands of the Western hemisphere or New World, consisting of the Continents of North America and South America For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island
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Botany
The leaves, which may grow up to eight inches, are lobed and covered in fine hairs, forming a low-lying rosette around a central taproot. In Botany, a leaf is an above-ground Plant organ specialized for Photosynthesis. A Plant 's taproot is a straight tapering Root that grows vertically down Multiple forked stems carry bright yellow flower heads, and when mature these form seeds attached to windborne "parachutes". All parts of the plant exude a milky sap when cut.
Hypochaeris species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including The Shark. A larva ( Latin; plural larvae) is a juvenile form of Animal with indirect development, undergoing Metamorphosis (for example Lepidoptera is an order of Insect that includes Moths and butterflies. The Shark ( Cucullia umbratica) is a Moth of the family Noctuidae.
Etymology and differences to dandelions
Catsear is derived from the words cat's ear, and refers to the shape and fine-hair on the leaves resembling that of the ear of a cat. The ear is the sense organ that detects Sounds The Vertebrate ear shows a common biology from Fish to Humans with variations WikipediaManual of Style (spelling, articles should conform to one overall spelling style of English typically the one most linked to the article topic (if it is geographic
The plant is also known as false dandelion, as it is commonly mistaken for true dandelions. Both plants carry similar flowers which form into windborne seeds. However, catsear flowering stems are forked and solid, whereas dandelions possess unforked stems that are hollow. Both plants have a rosette of leaves and a central taproot. The leaves of dandelions are jagged in appearance, whereas those of catsear are more lobe-shaped and hairy. Both plants have similar uses.
Culinary uses
All parts of the catsear plant are edible; however, the leaves and roots are those most often harvested. The leaves are bland in taste but can be eaten raw in salads, steamed, or in stir-fries. Older leaves can become tough and fibrous, but younger leaves make for good eating. Some bitterness in the leaves may be apparent but is rare.
The root can be roasted and ground to form a coffee substitute. CoFFEE is an Open source Software for computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL in a digital classroom
Toxicity
Catsear is considered a noxious weed for livestock and horses. Ingestion of large amounts of catsear can cause a neurological disorder in horses called stringhalt. Stringhalt is abnormal use of the equine hock and usually is a form of lameness. Stringhalt causes involuntary twitching in the rear legs of the animal and other problems. The symptoms of catsear exposure may clear out of the system in a few years once grazing on the plant has been eliminated from the horse's diet.
References
- The Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board - Catsear
- USDA Plants Database
- Low, Tim. Wild Herbs of Australia and New Zealand. Rev. ed. Angus and Robertson, 1991. ISBN 0-207-17001-0.
- Oregon State University - Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Horses
- Merck Veterinary Manual - Stringhalt
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