Mediterranean Cat's Ear (Hyoseris radiata)

Mediterranean Cat's Ear

Hyoseris radiata

Daisy-like blooms brighten dry meadows, a cheerful wildflower. Annual herb; common name: Mediterranean Cat's Ear.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Requires full sun for optimal flowering; tolerates partial shade in hot climates
💧
Watering Drought-tolerant; water deeply only when the top 2–3 cm of soil is completely dry
🌡️
Temperature Tolerates mild frost (down to 5°C) and hot dry Mediterranean summers
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Basal rosette of lanceolate, softly hairy leaves with irregularly toothed margins
  • Flower: Solitary yellow daisy-like flower heads with radiate ray florets atop slender stems
  • Stem: Hairy, upright flowering stems that emerge from the basal leaf rosette
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Water when topsoil is fully dry to support active growth and flowering

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed once every 4 weeks. Minimal fertilization is needed; excess nutrients can reduce flowering

Banana peel tea:Soak 1 chopped banana peel in 1L water for 24 hours; strain and use to drench soil once monthly
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower heads to encourage additional blooms throughout the growing season
  • Remove yellowing basal leaves to maintain a tidy rosette and improve airflow
  • Trim back flowering stems after blooming to promote self-seeding for next year's growth
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA has no listed toxicity to cats

Humans: No documented toxicity to humans

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental wildflower for rock gardens, wildflower meadows, and container edges