Catsear is a rosetted (all leaves connected to the one point) annual, herb with rough and bristly leaves. Bright yellow daisy flowers are borne on upright stems mainly in spring and summer but often abel to flower at other times of the year if conditions allow. All parts of the plant exude a milky sap when cut.

Catsear is derived from the words cat's ear, and allegedly refers to the shape and fine hair on the leaves resembling that of the ear of a cat. All parts of the Catsear plant are edible which should give some more incentive to remove this ubiquitous weed!

Native to northern Africa, most of Europe and western Asia this weed is now in just about any place you care to look. Particularly invasive in disturbed areas and grasslands.

Photos courtesy of Neil Tucker.