Cats Ear (Hypochaeris radicata)

General Information: Cats Ear which is a dandelion type plant is a perennial weed with a deep taproot. It is very common and can be a major problem on lawns throughout in the UK as it will tolerate close mowing.

Leaf: Cats Ear leaves are lance shaped, hairy and quite fleshy and the teeth have rounded edges. See pictures to the left.

Flower: Cats Ear flowers from May to September. The flowers are yellow on a long stalk. Each stalk may produce one or two flowers.

Preferred Habitat: Cats Ear can be found on a wide range of soils but it prefers drier, free draining soils.

Control: Hand weed any individual plants taking care to totally remove all of the taproot. If any of the root remains the plant will regenerate.

For a more widespread problem use a selective weed killer containing a 2,4-D mixture or alternatively fluroxypyr & clopyralid, A further application 6 weeks later will most likely be necessary to control this weed.

Recommended selective weed killers for Catsear.

• Verdone Extra (fluroxypyr, clopyralid & MCPA).
• Westland lawn weed killer (2,4-D, mecoprop-p & dichlorprop-p).
• Westland lawn feed, weed & moss killer (2,4-D & mecoprop-p) includes a fertiliser.
• Vitax green up lawn weed & feed (2,4-D & dicamba) includes a fertiliser.
• Vitax green up lawn weed & feed + moss killer (2,4-D & mecoprop-p) includes a fertiliser.
• Doff lawn spot weeder (2,4-D, mecoprop-p& dichlorprop-p).

Selective weed killers should be applied between April and October when the weeds are actively growing as this will yield the best results.

It is very important that you follow the manufacturers recommendations and health and safety guidelines when applying chemical weed killers.

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