Hypochaeris salina Plant Care
Hypochaeris salina Gren.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hypochaeris radicata – also known as catsear, flatweed, cat's-ear, hairy cat's ear, or false dandelion – is a perennial, low-lying edible herb often found in lawns. The plant is native to Europe, but has also been introduced to the Americas, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, where it can be an invasive weed.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Hypochaeris salina?
Plant Hypochaeris salina in full sun to part shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 4–7 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Hypochaeris salina Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
What Is the Hypochaeris salina?
Hypochaeris salina (Hypochaeris salina) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Hypochaeris genus. Hypochaeris salina is native to Europe.
Hypochaeris salina displays a low rosette, spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Hypochaeris salina produces small yellow daisy-like flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hypochaeris salina?
Water a young or newly planted Hypochaeris salina every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Hypochaeris salina Need?
Hypochaeris salina thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hypochaeris salina Prefer?
Hypochaeris salina tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Hypochaeris salina prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hypochaeris salina?
Well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Hypochaeris salina to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hypochaeris salina?
Feed Hypochaeris salina every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Hypochaeris salina?
Choose a spot with full sun to part shade and well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Hypochaeris salina is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Hypochaeris salina?
Hypochaeris salina can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Hypochaeris salina?
Prune Hypochaeris salina while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Hypochaeris salina in Winter?
Hypochaeris salina is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Hypochaeris salina?
Hypochaeris salina can be propagated through seeds, division of root clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to smooth-cat-ear plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hypochaeris salina Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hypochaeris salina, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Hypochaeris salina?
Hypochaeris salina is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Hypochaeris salina Need?
Hypochaeris salina grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Hypochaeris salina is native to Europe. In cooler regions, grow Hypochaeris salina as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Hypochaeris salina is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Hypochaeris genus — compare its care with other Hypochaeris species on PlantoScan.
Hypochaeris is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Hypochaeris salina thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Hypochaeris Species
Other Hypochaeris species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hypochaeris salina Gren., family Asteraceae (first published in Fl. Chaine Jurass. 456. , in nota) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hypochaeris salina, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
