Smallhead Cat's Ear

Hypochaeris microcephala

Native to:
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Hypochaeris
Species:
Hypochaeris microcephala
USDA Symbol:
HYMI5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
50 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, butterflies

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy to loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to Andean regions, prefers open grasslands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment. Light may enhance germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI