How much sun does Smooth Cat's-ear need?

Smooth Cat's-ear grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Smooth Cat's-ear bloom?

Smooth Cat's-ear blooms in March, April, May, and June.

What pollinators does Smooth Cat's-ear attract?

Smooth Cat's-ear draws bees and flies.

Is Smooth Cat's-ear HOA-friendly?

Smooth Cat's-ear takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Smooth Cat's-ear

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hypochaeris glabra

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Smooth Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris glabra) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Pollinators

bees, flies

Native alternatives to Smooth Cat's-ear

Smooth Cat's-ear is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Smooth cat's-ear is a low-growing annual wildflower that produces small yellow dandelion-like blooms from spring through early summer. This compact plant forms neat rosettes of smooth leaves and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal care.

In an HOA neighborhood

Smooth Cat's-ear takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Resembles dandelions which many consider weeds
Annual lifecycle creates gaps when plants die
Can self-seed unpredictably

Wildlife value

The bright yellow flowers attract bees and beneficial flies during the spring and early summer blooming period.

Common questions

How much sun does Smooth Cat's-ear need?: Smooth Cat's-ear grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Smooth Cat's-ear bloom?: Smooth Cat's-ear blooms in March, April, May, and June.
What pollinators does Smooth Cat's-ear attract?: Smooth Cat's-ear draws bees and flies.
Is Smooth Cat's-ear HOA-friendly?: Smooth Cat's-ear takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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