Hare's Ear (Bupleurum rotundifolium)

This wildflower is a member of the Apiaceae ⁄ Umbelliferae (Carrot family).

Plant Type: This is a non-native herbaceous plant, it is a annual which can reach 60cm in height (24inches).

Leaves: The leaves are alternate. Each leaf is entire. All but the lower leaves are perfoliate. The edges and veins, which are parallel, are translucent.

Flowers: The flower parts are not discernable with the naked eye and are up to 0.2cm wide (0.1 inches). They are yellow. Blooms first appear in mid spring and continue into late spring. The flowers are in a compound umbel with seven to twelve flowers in each umble.

Habitat: Fields, borders and open woods. Range: Mainly from the Great Lakes south to Tennessee. Occurring elsewhere The species name rotundifolium and the common name Hare's Ear are in reference to the roundish, pointed leaves that stand upright. The young leaves of this plant are edible raw or cooked and are sometimes used as a pot-herb. they are also used as a spice. (Horn/Cathcart)