West Mill Lane, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex. These bracts are classic for Catsear and stems are leafless but they have triangular scales (see the one on the stem beneath the flowerhead)

Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) (19/07/2021) West Mill Lane, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex. These bracts are classic for Catsear and stems are leafless but they have triangular scales (see the one on the stem beneath the flowerhead)

West Mill Lane, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex. There is one called Smooth Catsear but it's rare and is a much smaller-flowered species. This floret is still developing - eventually the bits in the middle will spread out as additional "inner" petals.

Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) (19/07/2021) West Mill Lane, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex. There is one called Smooth Catsear but it's rare and is a much smaller-flowered species. This floret is still developing - eventually the bits in the middle will spread out as additional "inner" petals.

Along stream by footpath from West Mill Lane leading to rear of water treatment plant, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex. Showing the tough, wiry stems, classic for Cat's Ear.

Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) (17/07/2022) Along stream by footpath from West Mill Lane leading to rear of water treatment plant, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex. Showing the tough, wiry stems, classic for Cat's Ear.

Along stream by footpath from West Mill Lane leading to rear of water treatment plant, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex. It can be very low-growing, or pretty tall - up to about 60cm as here. Flowerheads are solitary.

Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) (17/07/2022) Along stream by footpath from West Mill Lane leading to rear of water treatment plant, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex. It can be very low-growing, or pretty tall - up to about 60cm as here. Flowerheads are solitary.

Along stream by footpath from West Mill Lane leading to rear of water treatment plant, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex. When fully in flower - photos often seem to show them when not fully open (like earlier image when the middle bit has a cone like appearance).

Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) (17/07/2022) Along stream by footpath from West Mill Lane leading to rear of water treatment plant, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex. When fully in flower - photos often seem to show them when not fully open (like earlier image when the middle bit has a cone like appearance).

Along stream by footpath from West Mill Lane leading to rear of water treatment plant, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex. Note the bristles on the upper part of the bracts (Smooth Cat's Ear doesn't have those).

Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) (17/07/2022) Along stream by footpath from West Mill Lane leading to rear of water treatment plant, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex. Note the bristles on the upper part of the bracts (Smooth Cat's Ear doesn't have those).

Along stream by footpath from West Mill Lane leading to rear of water treatment plant, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex.

Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) (17/07/2022) Along stream by footpath from West Mill Lane leading to rear of water treatment plant, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex.

Along stream by footpath from West Mill Lane leading to rear of water treatment plant, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex. Of particular note, the little bract lower down the stem - shaped like a "cat's ear".

Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) (17/07/2022) Along stream by footpath from West Mill Lane leading to rear of water treatment plant, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex. Of particular note, the little bract lower down the stem - shaped like a "cat's ear".

Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) (17/07/2022) Along stream by footpath from West Mill Lane leading to rear of water treatment plant, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex.

Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) (18/07/2023) Tottington Wood, Small Dole, Henfield. On mound behind pond.

Along stream by footpath from West Mill Lane leading to rear of water treatment plant, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex. A young pappus.

Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) (17/07/2022) Along stream by footpath from West Mill Lane leading to rear of water treatment plant, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex. A young pappus.

Along stream by footpath from West Mill Lane leading to rear of water treatment plant, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex. The bracts have splayed out which will let the pappus expand to the usual round shape.

Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) (17/07/2022) Along stream by footpath from West Mill Lane leading to rear of water treatment plant, Small Dole, Henfield, W Sussex. The bracts have splayed out which will let the pappus expand to the usual round shape.